Auckland-born painter Shane Foley
began her artistic career studying under Colin McCahon, John
Drawbridge and Kate Coolihan in a National Bank Art workshop in the
early 1970's. Foley's passion for painting led her to study at
Auckland University's Elam School of Fine Arts, where she was
mentored by Robert Ellis, Don Binney and Garth Tapper and graduated
in 1977. In the late 1970's, Foley attended Auckland Teachers
College to consolidate her artistic training in the field of
education, which led to a career in teaching and art education that
has spanned more than 20 years. In this time, Foley gained a
Masters of Education (in Educational Administration) from Deakin
University (Victoria, Australia) and later a Post Graduate Diploma
in Evaluation (Massey University). Foley has been a practising
artist since her Elam graduation, participating in a number of
group and solo shows, dealer gallery exhibitions,
award shows and community arts events.
Foley's work exhibits a particular interest in the landscape and
the way landscape evokes notions of time, memory and place.
Specifically, Foley focuses on the autobiographical and human
nature of painting, drawing on her personal connection to the
landscapes of the West Coast and Northland. Recent works
(primarily oil on canvas) feature atmospheric and painterly
depictions of land, sea and sky.
Foley currently works in the field of evaluation and continues
to produce work from her Auckland studio. She has been nominated as
a finalist in the James Wallace Art Awards and is a regular
contributor to the annual Artists in Eden community event in Mt
Eden, Auckland.