'Chariots of Fire' ran 11-31 October 2007 at the New Zealand Steel Gallery and dazzled visitors with its unconventional views of the horse world.  The exhibition featured paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and stained glass by 6 Franklin artists, including Pokeno's Jane Crosbie.

 

'The objective with this exhibition was to provide diversity,' said Jane, who coordinated the artists work for the display. I wanted an exhibition that is dynamic and reflects now, the modern era of equine art.

 

Visitors are likely to agree Jane met her goals, as each artist took a unique approach. Texture and subtle beauty shone through the pencil drawings of Jan Thomson, while surprise and the fleeting moment characterised Trish Dunell's photography.

 

There is nothing I'd rather do than sit on the grass or a rock or whatever, and watch horses through the lens, Trish said. My preference is to skulk around and take the pictures that catch my eye. This gets me into trouble quite frequently!?

 

Jane Denny applies the eye of a portraitist to her horse studies. Her paintings use light and unique angles to reveal the different  moods of a horse, or to examine parts of the animal?s anatomy in detail.

The shows remaining three artists come from one family--Jane Crosbie's. Her husband Phil produces unique stainless steel sculptures and her daughter Aroha's impressive 5-metre stained glass panel inspired the 'Chariots of Fire' exhibition title.

All of the Crosbies have exhibited and won prizes for their work internationally, with Jane winning particular acclaim among the Middle Eastern horse community. Her painting exhibitions in Dubai in 1998 and 2007 lead to purchases of her work by Arab royal families. A launch of her first book next month, plus several future exhibitions and a trip to Kentucky in 2009 are keeping her eyes firmly focused on the noble horse.

My passion as an artist, my obsession has always been horses and I have travelled the world painting horses from various cultures, she said. Now she's keen to help other local equine artists gain a greater public audience. 'Chariots of Fire' will be an exhibition that Franklin can be proud of, promised Jane, who hopes to build the event each year.