Alfred Memelink
Petone based artist, Alfred Memelink is becoming well known in Wellington for his colourful streetscapes and seascapes, particularly of around the Wellington area. His love of the city, harbour and environment, come rain of shine, is reflected in his paintings. Alfred is at one with the watercolour medium in particular and his ‘Sea and Streetscapes’, often composed with interesting perspectives and moods, reflect his personal excitement of the scenes portrayed. His special affinity for the sea and first hand knowledge of ships has also provided him with a very personal approach to his art which is now wining him international recognition.
After many years travelling the seven seas as marine engineer, Alfred has now semi settled in his favourite port of call, Wellington. He has set up studio on the opposite shores of the harbour in a town he calls ‘Petone by the sea’. He enjoys painting Wellington, a city and harbour with moods as changeable as the sea, a snug and vibrant city hemmed in by green hills with colourful clinging suburbs. He considers that the harbour, bounded by widely varying coastline, is a Mecca for artists. His ambition as an artist is to open the viewers’ eyes to the simple beauty surrounding them everyday, often so easily missed in the rush of everyday life. Although Alfred now concentrates more fully on his art he still can’t resist escaping to sea part time for the odd exciting new adventure and challenge. He can often still be found relieving on the busy little red harbour tugs that work Wellington’s harbour, thus balancing the passions in his life of art the sea and music.
Current projects – Alfred has just completed a second commemorative stamp issue for Pitcairn islands, Royal Navy Visitors II, 9th December 2010. He has also just set up two major exhibitions, contributing to one on Whales at the Suter Gallery, Nelson and another based on his voyage to Antarctica at the Percy Thomson Gallery in Stratford.
Commissions & leased Artwork – Alfred receives constant requests for commissions. People who have a particular view or scene in mind that is special to themselves or a friend often wish to have it captured in a painting. Alfred welcomes any new enquiries for such commissions and offers a guarantee with each painting so commissioned.
Leased Art – Alfred also leases out his artwork to private homes and businesses. Visitors to the premises where the art is leased enjoy seeing paintings of places they easily recognise and readily identify with and to see regular changes so that there is no chance of tiring of an artwork.
Alfred is a respected member of the Wellington arts community of which he has been quite involved with for many years. He is a long standing committee member of Watercolour NZ and recently served as president. He has also spent many years on the council of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and where he also assists as a volunteer and is currently vice president.
