Don Service is the artist and curator behind Rightside Gallery. He’s a master of materials, creating beautiful pieces from metal, rust, wood and more. The gallery displays Don’s own work as well as art in various mediums by artists from around New Zealand.

Don offers us some tips on creating art from wood, and starting out in the art business.

Starting an art piece I start with timber and get a bit of an idea and go from there.

Method 1 Sometimes I get an idea, and say that’s what I’m going to make. Then I get timber, or ply, or steel, and make it.

Method 2 Sometimes I just stare blankly at a piece of timber for a bit, and see what pops into my head that suits it.

Inspiration Some days you’re creative, and some days you’re not. Sometimes I’m out doing my art-hanging work and I get inspiration from that. And I spend time out in nature, I love getting inspiration from natural colours and shapes and forms.

Starting out in art The best way to start is just to start. You have an idea, and crack on with it. That’s the Kiwi way, isn’t it? Don't wait for somebody to tell you to start.

Selling art I think the art shows, like the Christchurch Art Show and the NZ Art Show, are a great way of getting your art in front of a lot of people in a short space of time. To be an artist you have to sell work, and to sell work you have to get in front of people.

Read more: Tips from Frame 'n' Copy, tips from Nailed It Art Hang, tips from Fiksate Studio & Gallery, tips from Xgaleri, and tips from Distranged Design.

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