The artists behind Elmer’s Elephants

10 Jan 2024

Don’t miss out on joining in on this elephant art safari, on now until 18 February 2024 in Ōtautahi!

This wonderful and colourful elephant art trail is based on the beloved children’s book by David McKee, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.  Artists have used a huge array of Resene paint colours to transform their plain elephant sculpture into an eclectic mix of colourful elephant personalities. 

Let’s introduce you to three more elephant designs and the artists behind each:

Butterflies & Flowers of Aotearoa

This colourful elephant painted by Ira Mitchell is inspired by Aotearoa’s native species of butterflies and flowers in bloom that bring smiles and joy to everyone who beholds their beauty. This beauty emphasises the need to protect our fragile environment.

Christchurch based artist Ira Mitchell creates, teaches and writes on art. She has won numerous awards for both her art and community work, has a Diploma in Visual Communications, BFA Design, Postgrad Diploma in Education and has trained as an artist-educator. In 2022, she was awarded the Denis Diderot [A-i-R] Grant and The Emerging Artist Grant, for a residency at Château d’Orquevaux, France. Her work is informed by the palette of David Hockney, the sharpness of Matisse and the monumental forms of the landscape of Aotearoa.

Find Ira’s elephant at: Cave Rock Sumner

Day of the Dead

The Day of Dead is a celebration widely observed in Mexico as well as other parts of the globe. It is a joyful celebration to pay respects to friends and family members who have passed away. The often-humorous nature of this holiday is a beautiful way to remember those no longer with us. It seems only fitting that an elephant would fondly remember the departed.

Georgette Thompson is a landscape and portrait painter based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her love for New Zealand’s unique wildlife has inspired her to capture their beauty. Recently her work has explored surreal and playful depictions of native birds often highlighting the bird’s cheeky personalities. Motivated to give back to nature, Georgette created a range of greeting cards that donate to local wildlife charities. Her works are detailed, authentic and bursting with Kiwi pride.

Find Georgette’s elephant at New Regent Street.

Mammoth Woolly

When looking at Elmer, a patchwork elephant, Mel’s mind wandered straight away to a Woolly Mammoth – with a twist! This design takes inspiration from the bright woolly warmth of blankets that have been a part of Kiwi culture for generations. How many homes hold a well-worn wool blanket, either pastel plaid, bright vintage check or traditional tartan? Wool mills across New Zealand have woven wool blankets into our memories, from family picnics to cold winter nights and Elmer will take them on tour!

Mel Eaton is a North Canterbury creative whose eclectic interests have produced a diverse range of work. More often than not her art explores the messages found in media and materiality. Through association (and sometime contradiction) Mel creates works that try to be fun, create a double-take and encourage curious investigation. Mel’s artistic process involves a lot of day-dreaming, far too in-depth researching and idle tinkering with materials and processes. She often draws inspiration from childhood experiences and craft and seeks to convey curiosity and joy.

Find Mel’s elephant at Kaiapoi Library.

For more information on Elmer’s Elephant trail, visit www.elmerchch.co.nz

Published: 10 Jan 2024