Unity Books was alive with the sounds of humming conversation and ringing wine glasses on Thursday evening as a big and happy group gathered to celebrate the launch of the first book to focus on Tanya Ashken’s work, Tanya Ashken: Jeweller, Silversmith, Sculptor.
The event was kicked off with an introduction and welcome by Unity Books staff member, Tamsin Grigg, who expressed the privilege the shop feels at hosting the launch of this book. Tanya has played a part in the lives of probably every Wellingtonian and many, many visitors to the city besides. Tanya’s sculpture “Albatross” sits on the Wellington waterfront, a bold and beautiful centrepiece to this special public space.
Following the introduction, Cameron Drawbridge, the book’s author, photographer, researcher and editor talked about the work required to bring the book together. Cameron gave particular thanks to Ann Mallinson for her guidance, the photographers who gave permission for their images to be included in the book and to the essay contributors, Lesleigh Salinger, Philip Clarke and Damian Skinner. Also acknowledged were family members who encouraged Cameron to take this project up. Above all, Cameron expressed his happiness at having Tanya and so many of the family together to mark the occasion.
Neil Plimmer, former chairman of the Wellington Sculpture Trust, took the microphone next to officially launch Cameron’s book. Neil spoke about the recognition by arts commentators of an elementary primitivism to Ashken’s shapes and lines that threads right across her work. Neil expressed his own take on this idea, that as an expression of primitivism, Ashken’s is the most elegant and sophisticated that he has ever seen. Neil reminded the audience of Hone Tuwhare’s poem “Toroa – Albatross” written for Ashken’s sculpture and the beginnings of the Wellington Sculpture Trust which was initiated in part by the coming together of people to fundraise for “Albatross”.
Following Neil, Tanya herself expressed her thanks and the overwhelming joy at the audience and speakers all coming together to celebrate her work and the milestone of this book. The line for autographs took at least twenty minutes to clear as people looked forward to the chance to talk to Cameron and Tanya. This event was indeed a special and memorable evening for all involved.
You can purchase copies of Tanya Ashken: Jeweller, Silversmith, Sculptor by Cameron Drawbridge in store or HERE in our online shop.