Keegan Inspires Artist
Published in Hamilton Press, by Libby GudmundssonGlass artist Di Tocker is not the only person inspired by Hamilton boy Keegan Maley, and her most recent piece isa a reflection of that.
The Hamilton-based artist has completed a piece, inspired by Keegan, to go with her new collection to be displayed at Artworks Art of Glass Awards.
The event is sponsored by Cavalier Bremworth, and all the proceeds of an auction will go towards two much-needed beds in Middlemore Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.
Keegan has spent a lot of time in and out of Kidz First over his six years, so much so, that he is an official ambassador for the hospital. He was born with an extremely rare genetic condition, multi-sutural cranio synostosi, resulting in his head being shaped like a cone.
Di was asked to contribute a piece to the auction after meeting with Keegan and his family.
"When I started to research about Keegan, there was a common theme through everything I came across - everyone talked about inspiration, how inspiring he was".
That formed the basis of her piece which was the same style as her most recent collection Paper People.
"I chose green for the colouring because I see it as a colour of new development and new changes, and Keegan has been through a lot. The other figure represents people he has touched and those who have helped and supported him," says Di, who also explains that the word 'inspiration' goes down the spine to represent Keegan's strength and determination.
He was able to spend the afternoon at Di's studio where he helped her with the various stages of the glass casting process.
Keegan's mother, Michelle Maley, says ther piece is gorgeous and she spoke to open the auction last night in Auckland.
Di has entered her collection of Paper People into the awards which will feature some of the nation;s top glass artists. Her work will be on show a bit closer to home later in the year at ArtsPost, where she will also run glass casting workshops.
More information on Di can be found at www.dicast.co.nz