“Not so long ago, feminism was a dirty word. Now it is back on the agenda, thanks to the gradual erosion of women’s rights worldwide. This year, I will spend my birthday marching down Queen Street (dressed in purple, green and white in honour of the suffragettes) participating in the National Women’s Day of Action for Pay Equity. Yes! There is still a gender pay gap, and while it has reduced from 16.3% in 1998, progress has slowed and we are still lagging 8.2% behind men in pay. I am both delighted and dismayed to see another wave of feminist action come around in my own lifetime just as I am proud to be one of the women depicted by Katie Blundell in her “Working Women” series. She has chosen this cast of characters from among those whom she is inspired by.

It is an admirable project to celebrate women – it is not easy being female and working in the arts. As the Guerilla Girls observed in their Advantages of Being a Woman Artist in 1988, you are usually working without the pressure of success. Here we are forty years later, seeing change in the art market, but at a glacial rate. The best response is to work as hard as you can and grab every opportunity you are offered. Look around and see who else is furrowing the field of feminism and offer them your support and encouragement. Unity is strength!”

– Linda Tyler (Art Historian, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland)

Exhibition:
18-19 October, 2025 (Note: Exhibition extended till the end of November, open by appointment)

I can honestly say on reflection it has been pretty good. I have made big steps when it comes to sustainability. In a recession or post-recession, one must adapt to the times. So, as well as making Art and Teaching and Mentoring in my Studio, I have been doing a day or two a week of relieving as a Teacher. I have thoroughly enjoyed the heat pump and course working with people. I think it has helped me get through the cold months and stay focused and motivated on what is happening in the studio.

Above: A close up detail of the Judy Millar Portrait. A new work for my upcoming ‘Women At Work’ exhibition.

The ‘Women At Work’ series is very exciting! I am enjoying interviewing Women Artists that I admire and painting their portraits. The conversations and learning will stay with me forever and paintings will hopefully celebrate these leading Artists and help inspire us all to be brave.

Please put the 17th October 5-8pm in your diary as this is when I plan to have the opening for this exhibition at my Gallery+Studio in Clevedon. I will also be open 18-19 October 10am-4pm.

Also, I better do a Spring clean soon! As just round the corner is the Riverhaven Artland Spring Open Days with the East Auckland Tourism Walkfest 21 Sept, 28th Sept and 5 Oct. My Gallery + Studio will be open for you to view my work those days. I am looking forward to meeting the Auckland University students who will be with Artist and Lecturer Matt Liggins who will be making an Anti Architecture work from natural materials from Riverhaven Artland.

All the best
Katie Blundell Artist

Ps This is a copy of my Katie Blundell Artist Seasonal Newsletter Winter, No 40, 2025. Sign up to my free seasonal newsletter as you enter this website: katieblundellartist.com