Vivian Keenan

My  work is mainly  with recycled copper creating unique and original sculptures. I started my creative journey as a basket maker, using palembang, rattan and ‘found’ materials such as jasmine, supplejack and aelagnus  and much of what I do now  is influenced by the techniques used in basket making.
I have lived on Great Barrier Island since 2001, interspersed with periods living in Dunedin and Mt Maunganui. As a New Zealander, living by the coast all of my life has shaped the direction of my work.
Sails and boats being a major feature along with feathers and birds.
I first starting using copper in 2004 when I was incorporating it into the willow baskets and lamps I was producing, it has since taken over as the main component of my pieces. I love the pliability and the strength of it, it can be molded into shapes and hold those shapes, soft but strong. With the added aspect of being able to patina or heat the copper and change the colors is an exciting part of creating a art work.
I have exhibited my work in many galleries nationally and was also an invited exhibitor in Pushing the Boundaries which was a 2 year touring exhibition in Scotland in 2006. That same year two of my baskets were included in the British  Basket exhibition in Spain. I have travelled and worked with basketmakers in Europe and the UK and this also impacts on the work I produce. Commission work includes baskets and backpacks for the Narnia series of movies and more recently the installation of two sails at the Claris Airport.
Living and working on Great Barrier continues to inspire my work and I love the way it has evolved over the years and continues to do so.

Sails at Claris Airport