Lloyd Harwood
ABOUT LLOYD HARWOOD
Nelson artist, Lloyd Harwood’s work is notable for it’s simplicity of form and intensity of hue. This along with a strong sense of composition, has allowed him to develop a personal and recognisable style.
Responding to nearly all and everything that surrounds him, Lloyd often draws inspiration from myth and cross cultural symbolism. Underlying the work thematically is his personal celebration of both the childlike wonder and the often adult folly of being human which sees him revelling in the areas of satire and paradox. His work appeals, it builds on varying conceptual levels and has often been described as both ‘affable and sardonic’. Having multiple entry levels allows wide accessibility and perhaps partly accounts for the fact that he is collected by people of varying ages and different walks of life from around the world. Lloyd continues to explore painting avenues beyond his signature bright coloured work and has introduced varied sculptural pieces to his repertoire. After graduating, Lloyd tutored sculptural ceramics in Bristol for two years before arriving in NZ in December 1987. Lloyd managed ‘Vincent’s Art Workshop’ in Wellington for nine years before moving to Nelson. Vincent’s is a community based arts activity centre with an open door policy, but a primary focus on artists with psychiatric disabilities. On moving to Nelson, Lloyd started part-time tutoring at NMIT, taking the drawing elements of several full-time courses. He then became Community Arts Manager with Arts Council Nelson, a position he has held for the past twenty years. He administers the Nelson City Creative Communities Local Arts Funding scheme and the Public Arts Fund on behalf of Nelson City Council to whom he has also acted as Art Advisor. In his spare time, between the day job and raising a family of three, Lloyd has continued painting and successfully exhibiting in galleries across the country. He has received two National Awards for his work and was gifted artist membership of the NZ Academy in 1992. He is now represented by several galleries in both Islands and has work held in both private and public collections internationally. |