It sounds like the title of a slightly odd children’s story but it has to do with an art exhibition Crystal and I went to this evening at the L’Estrange Art Gallery out at Sumner. It was the “Get off my head Cephalopod” exhibition by Christchurch artist, Tony Cribb. Now I need to say by way of disclaimer that I’m no connoisseur of art, I don’t know whether I understand art and I most likely would not be able to interpret my way out of a wet paper bag, especially if it was an Andy Warhol designer bag. But I’m happy to admire art and nod appreciatively like I ‘get it’. Even if I don’t. But that’s just between me and you.

Visiting art galleries is not our standard Tuesday night schedule but we are not the sort to have our lives dictated to by routine. In fact when Mrs Routine comes to put me to bed at 11pm like I probably should I say ‘talk to the hand’ and will continue checking everyone’s Facebook status until at least 11.45pm when I’m satisfied that all my friends are safely tucked in and out of harm’s way. So there we where at an art gallery feeling a little out of place until the nice lady welcomed us ad and forced drinks into our hands, oh how I hate having to be made to drink free beer.

Wine at the L'Estrange Art Gallery
Wine at the L'Estrange Art Gallery
Toaster of Truth - So Deep!
Toaster of Truth - So Deep!
I love Tinman - Reminds me of Ed Monkton
I love Tinman - Reminds me of Ed Monkton
I see a sock-eating beast
I see a sock-eating beast
Fanta pants is my hero
Fanta pants is my hero
A corporate mission statement I can believe in
A corporate mission statement I can believe in

Aside from the rich colours, the moody reflections and the bowl of jet plane lollies, I think what impressed me most was the down-to-earth lets-not-take-life-so-seriously vibe I got from Tony’s work. I feel slightly out of place at art exhibitions because I imagine it’s a watering hole for glamorous socialites to air-kiss one another and compare facelifts but Tony’s art just made me feel at home. It was fun, full of cheek and beautifully presented. Tony actually came over and chatted with me, Crystal, Aaron and Kym (actually more Aaron since he’s the crazy artist of the group) and happily discussed his artistic endeavours. Casually dressed and wearing invisible shoes he seemed like a nice guy who really put his heart into his work, and it showed. If you want to see more of his work visit his website at www.tonycribb.co.nz.

As an aside we did happen to get snapped by the Bay Harbour News photographer, so while I’m going on about not wanting to be pretentious, our picture may well be in print alongside high society Cantabrians. Ironic.

Not being a huge collection we got through it in about 30 minutes allowing time for chocolate brownie sampling and then wandered over to the Ruptured Duck for an overdue dinner. AJ, who runs the place, was having a busy night so we sat outside, with a pleasing view of the sea, the main road and everything in between. We talked, we reminisced and we ate great pizza. Now that’s a better way to spend a Tuesday night.

Tony Cribb and the Tinman
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