JACK STRAKER
About the artist
Jack refers to his medium as 'heavy paint'; off the record, he is a polymer clay sculptor who works with Du Kit, the New Zealand made polyclay.
In the early nineties Jack worked for the Department of Conservation as an in-house artist designing displays and sculpting native animals. In particular he made insects and lizards. At this time his work generated high interest and culminated in a commission from the Minister of Conservation. Wayne Mowat from Radio New Zealand’s National Programme followed up with an interview.
In 2002 Jack moved to Wairoa where he worked and lived. The work produced at that time was very eclectic, featuring a combination of native animals and fantasy and science fiction creatures.
In 2004 Jack entered 3 pieces into the Hawkes Bay Review, winning the sculpture section. Curator Damian Skinner commenting on the “in-depth character of the works”.
Jack studies art in his spare time, and for the past four years has seen a change in his style to more serious works of a satyrical nature. He is influenced by the artists of the 1930’s, favourites being Otto Dix, Max Beckman and Max Earnst to name a few.
Jack is now based in Gisborne, from where he continues to create. His upcoming September 2009 exhibition will be his first show with PAULNACHE.