Home is where the art is for mother daughter duo
For former nurse and talented potter Belinda Bryce, buying the house next door to her daughter was the start of a dream. Photo: Supplied.
A special surprise for her daughter sparked a house move and bought Marlborough's newest gallery to life.
The Hamani studio and gallery in Blenheim has recently opened its doors.
For potter Belinda Bryce and her artist daughter Mieke Davies, the milestone moment marked the moment a long-held dream came true.
Belinda explains she bought the house next door to her daughter, keeping the purchase under wraps until it was finalised.
An old workshop and garage area in her garden has been revamped and developed to become a gallery specie where the pair can now work together.
It all began with a chat with the neighbour, Belinda smiles.
“It wasn’t on the market, but I asked if she’d ever consider selling and she told me it was time for a change… I bought it five months later.”
“This is not just my dream but Mieke’s too. The way it has turned out is just perfect.”
Hearing the news her mum would be living next door and that she wanted to open a creative space for them to share, was, Mieke says, a life-changing moment.
With a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Mieke was forced to put her career on hold after a nasty cycle accident in her early 20s.
The youth minister at St Mary’s Church says she then concentrated on caring for her three children.
“I've been shown great kindness and support by her making this happen for me.
“She is making her daughter's dream come true. I've literally been waiting 20 years for this.
“Portraiture is my main inspiration, to celebrate humanity using the thing that I love, rich colour and luxurious oil paint.”
In front of gathered family and friends, the studio near Pollard Park was opened at the end of last month.
The new studio and gallery includes two studios combined, one where Mieke can paint and teach and another which houses Belinda’s kiln and display area.
The former Wairau Hospital nurse says she can’t wait to get started again on a special collection she is making geared towards rehab patients.
“I will be working on producing a collection of special vessels for the disabled, especially stroke and Parkinsons patients, drawing on my years as a rehab nurse.
“This is not just my dream but Mieke’s too. The way it has turned out is just perfect.”
The Hamani studio and gallery is at 2 Curry Street in Blenheim and is open Wednesday to Fri between10am-4p and on Saturday between 10am-12pm or by appointment.