DATE: Saturday Sept 27 & Sunday Sept 28
TIME: 10am-4pm
LOCATION: 1D Mary St, Masterton
MEDIUM: Outdoor Sculpture & Mosaics
ADDITIONAL ARTISTS AT THIS LOCATION: Colin Montgomery & Carl Tangent
My name is Hugh Gaywood-Eyre. Originally from England, I’ve been living in New Zealand since 1996 and made the beautiful Wairarapa my home in 2007 with my partner.
I am a self-taught artist, and needlework and soft furnishings run in the family—something that feels deeply ingrained in my DNA. I’ve always felt more at home with a needle and thread than a paintbrush, although I’m not afraid to pick up a brush when the occasion calls for it.
Needlework is a demanding medium, but its beauty lies in its flexibility—you can pick it up or put it down without the need for setting up or cleaning up. The intricate detail that emerges in a small space continues to fascinate me. Sadly, due to declining eyesight, I’ve had to step back from larger textile pieces.
In recent years, I’ve channelled my creativity into mosaics. With my background in sketching, this medium has been a natural and fulfilling progression. I enjoy breaking up glass and ceramics to form tesserae, arranging them with the same sense of line and movement that defines tapestry. Whether working with tight curves or strong geometric shapes, the scale and palette can be adjusted to achieve just the right mood or impact. Grouting, too, plays a critical role in the final outcome—it’s a meticulous but deeply satisfying process.
My subject matter is inspired by everything from nature to ancient symbolism. I am endlessly drawn to the natural world—landscapes, changing light, flora and fauna, and the wilder side of gardens. There is always a plant border, an unexpected detail, or a flash of colour that offers that elusive “ahhh, lovely” moment. I hope my art can offer that moment to others, too.
Travel has also deeply influenced my creative path. I keep sketchbooks and notes from my journeys, and these have become rich sources of inspiration. European art, particularly Impressionism, Surrealism, and Cubism, has long been a passion—even if not my personal forte. I’m also fascinated by ancient Egyptian symbolism, and I often play with its motifs and colours. Likewise, I find Moorish architecture and geometric patterns—especially from Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt—utterly exquisite. I’ve visited these places many times, always drawn to their visual richness and the vibrancy of their markets. The carpets alone are woven treasures—and I must admit, I’m an easy target for them as a tourist!
Ultimately, I believe joy is all around us. Art is a way of sipping that joy, like nectar from a bloom. I hope my work invites others to pause, observe, and enjoy that same quiet sense of wonder.
