Tena Cressy is a contemporary artist living in Mount Maunganui, near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand.
My artwork is inspired by my own personal life and experiences with a unique New Zealand perspective. I use a rich combination of materials designed to stimulate not only the senses, but also the mind and the spirit.
I am inspired by our New Zealand culture in the global environment. I believe art speaks many languages. My experiences abroad and my keen interest in the international art scene are both reflected in my work, which has a very contemporary feel.
My work is best described as a dialogue between 'self' and the medium I choose to work with.
This allows my own creativity to naturally emerge to evolve into a visual expression of my chosen subject. My agenda is to paint impulsively and passionately, keeping as much of the creative process as evident as possible. These moments of creativity are frozen in time as I attempt to interpret the world around me by blending strong influences from my family, my friends, my life experiences and the environment around me. This process is one of activity and contemplation, modifying and refining until closure arrives.
I have a passion for strong, vibrant colours and rich textures, creating a beautiful and somewhat extreme view of a subject in its purest form. This is definitely my trademark although I am experimenting with more earthly tones as of late. My more recent work could be described as Pop Art with a contemporary twist, combining fresh and modern abstracts promoting New Zealand's special and unique culture on a global scale.