The Waitaki App would like to share an artist’s story each month. If you are an artist, or know someone clever and creative you would like to nominate, please email [email protected]. 

This month we talk with Mathea Daunheimer 

Q. Tell us a little bit about your background, and what led you to becoming an artist…

Well, I grew up in the Northeast coast of the United States, mostly a beautiful little city about 20 minutes outside of Boston called Newburyport. 

It, like Ōamaru, has a seafaring history. There are many gorgeous beaches, places to walk, and it is close to a major city. My parents and grandparents actively encouraged me to do creative, arty things and we regularly went to museums and theatrical performances. 

In high school, I was fortunate enough to have an art teacher who really encouraged me to push myself to learn different mediums to better my technique. I still am trying to pursue this today! 

Q. Tell us about your art.

Hmmm, my art is kind of ever-evolving. 

Before my son was born, I worked in whatever medium was handy, mostly colour pencil and ink. When Kurt came along, I didn’t do as much, as he would get into everything. Then I stopped at a quilting shop on my way home from work, which started the quilting obsession.

I love painting on fabric and putting texture in with quilting and I could do it with non-toxic materials. 

Over the past few years I have had a few health issues, making it hard to move stuff through the sewing machine. So I have been exploring smaller works in more traditional media like oil, watercolour, colour pencil, gouache, and soft pastels. 

Taking some classes and working on my drawing accuracy has been a fun challenge and I am loving the learning process. 

Springing (30x30) oil on canvas.

Q. What has landed you here in the Waitaki?

My husband’s job is what moved us to New Zealand, starting in Whangārei and Kerikeri, then on down to Ōamaru. 

Originally, my husband worked for Bay Audiology, but has since opened his own practice, Craig Daunheimer Hearing. 

Ōamaru has given us a huge opportunity to grow personally and professionally. As a family, we feel very comfortable and connected here, and are New Zealand citizens. We love it here! 

Q. What do you love about where you live?

Not only is Ōamaru a friendly place, but it is arty and has quite a few amenities for a small town. 

I love that we are fairly centrally located. It is a short drive to the lakes, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and other wonderful, natural spectacles. 

We are also between two awesome cities - Dunedin and Christchurch. It is perfect for us here.

Q. How does it inspire your work?

There is so much that inspires me here. 

The Victorian architecture, deco style, and other variations in the buildings are just begging to be photographed or drawn. 

I love the colours of the area. The brilliant shades of blue in the waters, the floral displays in the botanical gardens, the varied greens and golds in the Waitaki Valley, and the towering greys of the mountain areas are a visual feast for the artists in the area. 

Multiple works in Mathea's most well-known medium, painted quilts.

Q. What is your favourite thing to do outside of art?

Hanging out with my family and friends is the best. 

I love going to one of our many amazing cafes to grab a cup of coffee with the girls, and occasionally the guys will join in. 

Another favourite is to head to the library with my son. The Ōamaru Library is small but mighty, and offers up a great selection of books and magazines on art. And they have loads of great titles in mystery, as well as my son’s favourite financial news mags. 

Snuggling up with the kitties and a library book with a cup of coffee is an excellent way to spend a day. Embroidery is another lovely way to relax and very portable. I could be out anywhere and do a bit of stitching.

Q. What aspirations do you have for your work?

I am hoping to improve upon my technical drawing skills and become more proficient in oils, watercolour, and pastels. I have been playing around a bit with photorealistic drawing and am keen to do a bit more botanical - scientific illustration.

I also am hoping to get back my strength to use my longarm and sewing machine more.

Q. What have you got coming up or going on that people might be interested in?

I am going to be running a workshop on April 28 for painting on fabric at the Customs House Gallery in Ōamaru. It should be lots of fun, as we will be exploring inks, paints, pastels, and then hopefully adding in some texture with stitching.

I have been contemplating turning some of my designs into colouring pages, but am not sure that there would be interest. And, if I were a really good kid, I would update my website! 

Beyond that, I am hoping to get out and explore more of the South Island with friends and family, to create further memories/inspiration for future work.

Bee Boxes Kapiro Road, (A4 PastelMat, soft pastels).