With her beautifully colourful hand stitched paintings, Fleur Woods is among a stable of artists working to reclaim crafts and needlework as a legitimate force with the contemporary art establishment.
Given that Woods says she’s inspired by the things around her, it’s no surprise much of her work features dreamy aspects of the natural world. Woods lives and creates in a cottage in Upper Moutere, an area she describes as “a gorgeous rural valley near Nelson filled with artisans and country folk who make really nice stuff."
Recently, some of the nice stuff Woods has been focusing on includes a collaboration with handbag and accessory label Saben called Soul Sisters, an edit of craft inspired stitched leather bags inspired by Woods’ work of the same name. The artist and Saben will be holding a workshop at the Ponsonby Community Centre on August 28 where you’ll learn how to create your own Soul Sisters floral eye embroidery Woods' Soul Sisters kits.
What’s so great about where you live?
Moutere is one of those special places that still runs a little slower than most places, things are created around the seasons. Harvest time in Autumn, planting in Spring, making the products like wine, cheese, ceramics, baskets and more in between.
The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?
Hopgoods in Nelson. We’ve been marking special occasions there for over a decade and every single time we go everything is exceptional.
Favourite restaurant to visit with friends?
Forsters at Moutere Hills Vineyard in Sunrise Valley… a beautiful table outside, glass of Moutere Hills Chardonnay and ever delicious flavours of their taste boards, save room for the desert board.
Your local bar or pub?
The Moutere Inn, NZ’s oldest pub and a perfect country inn with great hot chips and hot wings plus an excellent selection of craft beers on tap and some great local wines. Wear flats, bring layers so you can sit outside and enjoy the stars or unwrap by the fire.
Where do you go for ‘special’, non-supermarket food or drink?
Tasteology at The Old Post Office in Upper Moutere Village is a gorgeous artisan store in the village that has all the regular things we love, Oaklands Glass Bottle Milk, fresh handmade breads, local wines, beautiful artisan products created locally alongside hand crafted local creative wares plus seriously good coffee.
Where do you get your morning coffee - and what’s your coffee order?
Tasteology at The Old Post Office for that too. They know my order well, it’s always a large latte with chocolate on the top.
Favourite clothing store that never lets you down?
Trouble & Fox in Nelson. I love the range and their such a gorgeous support for local creatives often collaborating on fun projects.
Where do you go when you’re after local art or design?
The Little Beehive Co Op, Quiet Dog & Red Galleries in Nelson and Bartlett and Gold Gallery in Upper Moutere Village.
If someone was visiting Moutere for the first time, what’s the one place you would recommend they visit?
Neudorf Vineyards for a wine tasting and a glass in the cellar door garden, total bliss.
Anything else we should know?
Our region has so many beautiful spots to walk and cycle or if you’re more like me read a book and sip a Chardonnay or enjoy the beaches. Truly worth the effort to jump into our little region for a few days.
My favourite walk is from Little Kaiteriteri over the hills to lovely little bays for a picnic, what the tides so you have lots of beach to enjoy.
