The harsh, raking light and atmospheric effects found in Aotearoa New Zealand are something I feel compelled to paint. The vast, ever-changing sky and sea are my inspiration with all its dramatic changes and patterns – giving me a sense of peace and stillness, along with a sense of hope and awe.

“Through my work I explore the relationship of colour and light, how light appears to shine brighter when a contrasting darkness is also present. Low light at the beginning & end of the day entrances me with the dramatic interplay of lost and found edges.

With the expansive skies, space and scale present in each painting I hope to evoke a personal response encouraging us to consider something larger than ourselves. The concept of Tīrangawaewae is also important to me and I embrace this concept with each work I produce. To have my feet firmly planted where I stand. Constantly exploring and discovering my identity as an artist and what it means to be a New Zealander.”

Kyla Covic is a full time artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She finished her BSA VAMP mentoring programme in 2022.

Courtesy of Railway Street Gallery + Studios