(Grand)Father's Day...

 

On this Father’s Day, I’d like to lovingly acknowledge my Mum’s father, 

Alan Whiting. 

When I was a child, Alan was my hero. He showed me (and taught me, through his wonderful example & modelling) that kindness, gentleness, compassion, a strong work ethic, patience & creativity were all important (vital) traits of my developing male personality. 

When Alan died (in the early 80s), it was the first true loss that I experienced. Out of an incredible, unwavering empathy, he left me $5,000 in his will, “towards my education”. This was a highly controversial gesture in my family at the time. He left behind a great many grandchildren and I was the only one that received an inheritance.

Grappling with equal measures of delight, surprise & guilt, I remember asking my Mother (at the time) why he had done this for me. She explained to me that he had always felt deeply for me, watching as I struggled with poor eyesight, my schooling and numerous (unsuccessful) eye surgeries.

In the late 80s, I moved to the Capital. At the age of twenty-one, I was finally able to access my inheritance. By then it had grown to just over $7,000. I used most of the money to attend a local art school for four years. And where, eventually, I’d also be given the opportunity to teach cartooning.

This year, in July, I celebrated my thirty-first year as an art teacher. And I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, Alan… For your generosity, mahi, empathy & love. I am the man I have become because of you. Personally AND professionally. And I owe you so much for planting the seeds (like the true gardener that you were) that, long after you were gone, grew and blossomed into my life, art & teaching career. I hope you’re proud of me & what I used your money for. My heart is full of gratitude. 

Arohanui, from your grandson Brent XX

“Some say that a garden just grows from seeds, but we think it grows from trying and failing and trying again. A garden is hard work, but so is most of the good, important stuff in life.” Joanna Gaines

(This post originally appeared on my Facebook page on 4/9/2022.)

BlueButterflyTurnsTwo

 

The Blue Butterfly Art Studio & Learning Space

(No. 4 Harbour St, Victorian Precinct, Oamaru)

IS TURNING TWO YEARS OLD !!

AND TO CELEBRATE,

BRENT HARPUR (THE 'KIWI CARTOONIST')

WILL BE HOSTING TWO WEEKS OF CARTOON WORKSHOPS !!

THERE WILL ALSO BE LOTS OF AWESOME

COMPETITIONS, PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS… *

Workshops Dates & Times:

Mon 11th, Tue 12th, Wed 13th, Thu 14th & Fri 15th July.

Mon 18th, Tue 19th, Wed 20th, Thu 21st & Fri 22nd July.

1.30 - 3.30pm daily.

For a complete listing of workshop topics,

scroll to the bottom of this page.

$25 per child per afternoon.

All art materials & afternoon tea provided.

Age: 5-12yrs.

However, teens & adults are also warmly encouraged

to attend. Discounts for family groups.

For all bookings:

(Mob) 021 232 2553

(Email) cartoonbrent@gmail.com

Due to the size of Brent's studio, each workshop is limited to 10 students.

Please book early to avoid disappointment!

To book and secure a place:

Deposit fee into the bank account below.

Include a mobile number or name as reference.

Send Brent an email, including your child’s name

& workshop(s) they'd like to attend. Once payment has been received, 

our booking will be confirmed by return email or text.

Bank details: BM HARPUR Westpac Bank 030887 0011287 001

* Brent will be in his studio every day of the holidays (from Sat 9th to Sun 24th July) from 11am - 4pm.

Keep an eye on the ‘Blue Butterfly’ Facebook page for regular updates about competitions & giveaways.

If you draw a fun cartoon of Brent (& drop it into his studio while he's there), you'll go in 

the draw to win some cool prizes!!

Thank you for supporting Brent and his studio/shop since 2020.

Please share this blog and pop down & help him to

celebrate two years in Harbour Street!!

Kia Ora, from Brent Harpur,

the 'Kiwi Cartoonist' & the

Blue Butterfly Art Studio & Learning Space.

You can also view all of this information on

the Blue Butterfly Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/BlueButterflyArtStudioLearningSpace

Workshops Topics & Dates (1.30 - 3.30pm daily):

Mon 11th July: Cartoon Animals

Tue 12th July: Super Heroes & Comics

Wed 13th July: Drawing 3D Faces

Thu 14th July: Space Creatures, Robots & Aliens

Fri 15th July: How to Make Money From Your Cartoons

Mon 18th July: Greeting Cards & Mask Making

Tue 19th July: Imaginary Creatures

Wed 20th July: Super Heroes & Comics

Thu 21st July: Dinosaurs

Fri 22nd July: Cartoon Animals

Poetic Lockdown Musings, 2.0

 

Is this poetry or blood that I feel coursing through my veins??

I long to feel you once more, curled deep inside my shape the way wet sand holds a shell. I wake to find you gone. Mere dream or memory. But where you once were, your faint spiral impression still stains my pillow and shore.

I rise, try carefully not to wake the house, foolishly forgetting for a moment that I live alone. In the dim light, photographs of distant friends line the top of my piano. Dust coats glass, but not the smiles & memories trapped underneath.

There are tiny, silent ghosts living (in only ways ghosts can live) in-between these black & white keys. But sadly, no amount of pleading or savings can conjure up a piano-tuner during level four lockdown.

I close the lid in an attempt to capture the ghosts for another time. But, even in the dark, I can still faintly hear their beauty, as they quietly move about and compose; a little like tinnitus, the hum of fridge or a hot water cylinder rumble.

I long instead for the comfort & familiarity of birdsong. But it’s a long wait until dawn. My clock on my mobile reads 11:11. And, for now, that brings me the solace I seek.

Perhaps it does for you, too?

Stepping outside, the night air is so still I can hear my heart beat beat beating in my ears. Earlier, I felt guilty for squandering the first day of Spring. So now, while the rest of the world sleeps, I can savour (instead) the season’s first night. In the dark, I can just make out the faint blur & glow of daffodils along the fenceline. My feet start walking towards them.

Glancing skyward, I stop. The stars warmly greet me. From this earth-bound perspective, they are many. And reassuringly close together. And for a moment, I feel less alone. I remind myself that, up there, they are coldly distant from one another. Not close at all, despite all the songs they sing & stories they share with one another. Billions upon billions of soul-like suns... Being born, humming, dancing, burning, collapsing, dying; but desperately, disarmingly and coolly unaware of each others’ heat.

I feel sad. I shudder. Not from the cold but longing. For a fleeting moment I force myself to remember your forehead pressed against mine. Not so much skin on skin but soul on soul. I still believe this, even now. Fingers that perfectly interlocked. Limbs & lips & sex that all effortlessly became one.

I blink, return to the present moment. Mere seconds (or perhaps thousands of years) have passed. I wipe away a solitary tear, try to refocus on the stars. They seem a little sharper now, appear almost to shimmer and swing. From a distance, yet still so close.

From a distance, you’re still so close.

I open my mouth & inhale star-cold air. And with it, you. I can feel the cosmic swell as it quickly fills my lungs. Holding my breath, I speak out loud the word “wonderful”... Even without your accent, I can feel its perfect syllables. They roll and tumble about inside my mouth and against my teeth & tongue. I exhale. Slowly. Deliberately. I smile. A smile I feel deep within my very soul. I am still grateful. That it happened. That you happened. That I happened upon you. And that we happened.

I close my eyes. Seeing by intuition alone, I reach down in the darkness. My fingers gently close around a stem. Like only the colour green can feel, it is damp to the touch. Gently, quickly, I pluck a solitary golden daffodil. I raise it toward my face. Yellow fills my vision. I hold it closely to my nose and breathe in deeply of its earthy scent and ancient song...

In this tiny moment, I am (again) truly alive. Starlight and dust burn inside my chest, my poorly vision turning to gold. For this is not poetry or blood coursing through my veins...

...but constellations!!

(c)Brent M Harpur

28/8/2021.

"Your vision becomes clear when you look inside your heart. Who looks outside, dreams.

Who looks inside, awakens." Carl Jung

All of the mountains in the world (for Nick)...

 

(Photo by Sophie de Witte, 2021.)

i.

All of the mountains in the world

were once volcanoes.

It bears repeating.

All of the mountains in the world

they were once,

each and every one of them,

volcanoes.

And all of us here tonight,

we too are mountains.

Each and every one of us.

And here's the secret,

Nick knew it.

And he wanted me to share it 

with all of you.

Underneath our faces and masks

made of rock, ice and snow,

deep down inside...

We are also made 

of magic,

of passion,

of flame,

molten fire.

And it pumps

through our veins,

our very heart and soul.

We are (all of us. Here. Tonight.):

Gifted

with a unique

skill or talent, 

like no other.

And if we find it.

If we bravely follow this

fire/bliss

where it takes us,

we cannot remain

merely

a mountain.

Yes,

all of us.

All of us

are mountains.

But we are

also

volcanoes.

ii.

In late 2013 I traveled to Mexico

to experience firsthand the Day of the Dead.

And each and every family that I met,

they all (in their own unique ways) told me the following...

A man does not die once.

He dies three times.

The first time

is when his heart stops beating

and his brain no longer functions.

The second time

a man dies

is when his body

is buried or cremated.

And the final (third) time

that a man dies...

Is the last time on this earth

that someone

utters his name.

iii.

Nick Knox,

Man / Mountain / Volcano.

I will remember you...

I will tell people about you,

your life and your music...

And I will never stop saying your name.

(c) Brent M Harpur, 2021.

 (For Nick and everyone

  who continues to say your name.)

"We are all asleep on a goldmine, on a wellspring of energy, on a volcano of creativity, on unbelievable reserves of genuine love. Everything is there to form a more human world."

(Andre Rochais)

Footnote: 

This poem was first performed at "Shine On", a Memorial Concert for Nick at 'Bark' (Dog With Two Tails) in Dunedin on the 8th May, 2021. Below is a link to some of the edited highlights of the evening, which recently showed on Channel 39. I perform two poems and my set starts around 30min54sec. BIG thank you to the people who lovingly & delicately captured this very special evening on film. You can view it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e-Q_dpbr9o

Recent Testimonials & References...

 

Ko toi te uri o mahara pohewa." [Art is the child of imagination.] 

Quotes from recent clients, students and parents... "We are most grateful for the time, empathy and support we received from Brent during a time of family loss and grief. We asked Brent to involve our grandchildren (and ourselves) in sessions of cartoon creation involving drawing and very importantly the banter and support that Brent brought to the sessions. During these sessions we witnessed the artistic interest in two of our grandchildren and this interest has continued to this day. Brent creates interest and enjoyment in his sessions which are a pleasure to witness." (Richard Openshaw, Timaru.) "I’m pleased to provide this reference for Brent, whom I have known for many years, both personally and professionally. Brent has provided both of my children with lessons many times, both privately and in a group setting. I have always been impressed with his fun (yet professional) manner. And I trust him implicitly! He has been a great mentor and inspiration for my visually-impaired daughter, who is now very keen on becoming a visual artist & animator." (Holly Singline, Timaru.) My wife Ashley Mountfort and I have known Brent for a long time and have hired him for our children’s birthday parties. Kids and adults have loved coming away with his drawings as a party gift. Really amazing, humble guy... Who I highly recommend!" (Peren Mountfort, Dunedin.) "Brent Harpur worked with my 9yr old son Jack. He showed an amazing sense of calmness, softness, kindness and sensitivity. Along with an amazing talent and creative ability. He showed Jack that he CAN draw even though Jack has never seen this talent in himself. Brent guided Jack gently and sincerely to help him discover his creative abilities. Brent is a truly authentic and inspiring man indeed!" (Aaron Kyle, Dunedin.) "We had the pleasure of hosting Brent for our World Fair Trade Day celebrations over two consecutive years. Brent's contribution was fabulous and a real hit with our customers & supporters. His enthusiasm, incredible artistic skills and his rapport with people is so evident from the very first drawing. People left with a personalised work of art to treasure and it was a privilege to have him join us. We cannot recommend Brent enough. He is a caring, generous and creative human being who lives his art." (Dean Griffiths, Manager Trade Aid Dunedin.) "We have met Brent at a kids' birthday party. He was the entertainer for the day. It is really something that just comes natural to him! Children and adults alike seem to just gravitate towards his easy nature and ability to teach so freely and without judgement. It is here that my child's love for drawing just intensified and she had a new found confidence in herself. She had such an awesome time and was so fired up that her sisters (that were not at the party with us) couldn't help but catch on. And couldn't wait to meet Brent and also draw with him!From here a friendship formed and my kids enjoy drawing with Brent and learning from him. I enjoy observing Brent interacting with kids and catching the moments on camera. He truly is an inspiration and an amazing artist and friend." (Leanne Breet, Palmerston.) "Brent Harpur is a brilliant cartoonist and all round lovely person!" (Lorraine Chisholm, client.) "I thoroughly recommend Brent for work with schools, birthday parties and tutorials/holiday programmes. He's worked heaps with my boy and at my school... The kids loved learning with him!!" (Meg Gallagher, Palmerston.) We have had a brilliant morning at the farmers market on Children's Day today! We met an amazing cartoonist Brent. Drawing is one of our son Archie's favourite things to do, but being a very shy and anxious child meeting new people, he held back and didn't want to join the others to learn more. But he really longed to. Brent was amazing and came to Archie and spent some one on one time with him. And together they drew some cartoons. Archie learnt a great deal today from Brent and spent ages drawing with him after that. I am so proud of Archie overcoming his fear of meeting a new person and really embracing the experience. It was a fantastic morning for him!" (Hannah Hill, Oamaru.) "Hi Brent. I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you so much for the cartoons you did for my boys (on Friday) when we bumped into you in Taste Cafe. They were thrilled with them! I have them all framed, ready to be hung on the wall. You have an amazing talent! And I really hope your shop gets the go ahead, as I think you have so much talent to share with others!! Thanks again!" (Christy, Oamaru.) We came to Oamaru for a holiday (from Christchurch) earlier this year. I follow Brent Harpur on Facebook and saw he had moved to Oamaru, so we looked him up. He was super- friendly, met us for a coffee and showed us around the Victorian District. The next day we went to his home studio, where he gave my kids a wonderful cartoon lesson and drew pictures of them all to take home. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't wait for our next visit to Oamaru!" (Shanna Howden, Christchurch.) "Brent recently ran a three hour cartooning workshop for our group of eleven kids aged 7 – 12 years. He was great with the kids, interacting well with them, with his friendly, easy manner, and good humour, yet still keeping control of the class. He puts everyone at ease, and is both encouraging and enthusiastic. Brent’s demonstrations and instructions were easy to follow, catering for both the very young, but also allowing and encouraging the older children to put their own flair and creativity on their drawings. A fun, inspiring afternoon, which all the kids seemed to enjoy. Thanks Brent!" (Tina Hendry, Children’s Art Group Co-ordinator, Fairlie.) "Thanks Brent! The evening you arranged for our team-building was exactly what I was looking for. The team tried something different and had a great time along the way. You created a positive, fun and supportive environment which is the pillar for any team. Thanks again!" (Ben, OfficeMax, Dunedin.) "I remember meeting Brent (back in the early 90s in Palmerston North) when I was 10 or 11 years old. His infectious joy and calm was something that my younger brothers and I were naturally drawn to. Brent was involved in the same folk group as my parents so we saw him often over the next few years and always enjoyed his funny drawings and peaceful nature. Around 25 years later, completely by chance, I came across Brent doing a cartooning workshop at our local rural library, for which I signed up my four children. I have enjoyed catching up with Brent a number of times since (including at one of his cartoon birthday parties). And my children have loved learning with him, being inspired by him to create their own masterpieces, and collecting personalised pictures by Brent himself each time we see him. Brent has a commanding yet peaceful presence and smiling face that lights up a whole room. The title 'child whisperer' is an apt one and Brent has worn it well for generations, appealing to children of all ages, scattering joy wherever he goes. Thank you Brent! We love your work!!" (Joey Smeaton & family, Palmerston (South).) "Brent Harpur has become an essential part of the Oamaru Farmers’ Market, pre COVID-19. He is fantastic to watch and learn from and the children especially love to learn from him. Brent was the highlight of our Children’s Day event at the beginning of March, with crowds surrounding him to watch his cartoons being drawn and lining up for lessons. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending him for future endeavours." (Manager, Oamaru Farmers' Market.) "Brent Harpur has been amazing with our boys aged seven and nine. Our nine year old is shy and anxious but felt at ease and safe while drawing with Brent. Both boys enjoyed their sessions so much and loved learning new ways to draw characters and animals. My eldest now spends most of his spare time drawing . It’s a wonderful creative outlet for him and we can’t wait to spend time drawing with Brent again!!" (Stacey Bell, Dunedin.) "Brent Harpur was an absolute, exciting professional artist to work with. I booked a one on one session for my 8 yr old daughter. He had her engaged and chatting from start to finish. He asked about her interests and used that as a source of topic. Subsequently we booked more sessions as she was motivated and inspired. I would totally recommend him to work with individuals or in classes. I wish him the best for the future."  (Angelina Kiore, Dunedin.) "Highly recommend Brent’s classes during the school holidays. My son loved the class so much that he asked if he can go to Brent’s everyday after school. Thank you for encouraging children to embrace their creativity!" (Tessa Simpson, Oamaru.) "Thanks again Brent, our daughter loved your class, drawings and interaction, and loved the idea of coming back for another one! All the best until we see you again!" (Parent, Dunedin.)

Cartooning Lesson with Emahlynn...

 

"[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them.

They remember what you are."

Jim Henson

I had a great little 2hr cartoon lesson last Saturday (in my shop/studio) with

Emahlynn, visiting from Dunedin.

She told her Mum & Dad that she wanted to draw with me

without them being present...

And it means the world to me (with my 30yrs of experience teaching this year)

that they were more than happy to oblige her request.

The trust, rapport and connection that comes from

working with tamariki (for so long) is something that I am very proud of.

And the on-going endorsement & support from parents

(for my life's work and legacy as an educator & role-model)

is very, very appreciated!!

"Thanks again Brent, Emahlynn loved your class, drawings & interaction,

and loved the idea of coming back for another one!

All the best until we see you again."

Vale Nick Knox, Singer, Musician, Composer, Friend...

 

"We hear only our own voices,

still echoes returning to our emptiness."

Dejan Stojanovic

Last Friday night, I was deeply sad & heartbroke to hear of the sudden passing

of Dunedin-based (but world-recognised* & widely respected)

singer/composer/musician,

Nick Knox.

You will be so missed, buddy. And by so, so (so!!) many.

Your incredible voice & enviable mastery of the ivories was so wonderfully unique,

primal, other-worldly & vital. To witness you play live... Words can't even begin to

describe the sounds and the chords that you dredged from the

deepest recesses of your fingertips, heart & your soul.

But even rarer, perhaps, was your huge, impressive well of attributes & gifts off-stage.

I was constantly stunned & awed by the deep levels of

patience, compassion, intelligence, humility, grace & humour

that you (constantly, unwaveringly) shared with those in your life that mattered.

You truly saw (and engaged with) the young, blazing (often misunderstood) creatives

that most of Dunedin overlook, avoid or ignore.

You honestly & whole-heartedly connected with them, through (often collective)

highest highs and darkest lows.

It's quite possible that you were the most empathetic & intuitive human

that I've had the pleasure & good fortune to meet.

Ever.

And, above all else, you were a true, genuine (and generous),

always constant gentle-man. I felt honoured to know you.

From my all-too-short three years in Dunedin, I will (now) fondly remember

the long, never dull, late-night/early morning conversations we shared

(usually at 'the Dog'). Your unbridled passion & spirit for all things creative

was an absolute joy to converse and engage with.

And you were fucken wise & intelligent, too.

When I made the difficult decision to move to Oamaru (a decision that most people

in my life at the time didn't understand), you had my back. You got the reasons why.

I won't go into them here. But I'll always love you for that show of support.

I am stunned.

It's only just beginning to sink in.

What a huge, incredibly sad loss...

For Aotearoa. And for the world.

Nick:

Your inimitable talents & your beautiful nature/character

were too brief. Too fleeting.

Thank you so, so much...

For the music, that voice, but also the oh-so refreshing lack of ego!!

Thank you, too, for the precious time you shared with us.

That attentiveness & rare presence.

The strength that comes from vulnerability.

The best bear-hugs!

That smile. And the laughter.

And the kindness. So much kindness.

I love you brother!

Arohanui

(Brent Harpur, 19/2/2021.)

"When great trees fall rocks on distant hills shudder."

Maya Angelou

*Footnote:

During his lifetime, filmmakers

Jan Oliver Lucks & Miranda Bellamy

were commissioned (by the BBC no less!)

to make a short doco about Nick. It is called

"The Characteristics of C-Minor"

and you can view it on-line, here:

https://vimeo.com/96039873