About Us

Artists, Rosie Little and Bruce Hamlin are likeable and low key, but just watch them talk about their work, and you soon realize that while each has specific talents, sparks of creativity flash between them and every piece made at Estuary Arts contains a little of each of them.

Rosie's 1950s rural childhood in Mahana, Nelson, allowed her the freedom to explore nature and the outdoors. "All of my artwork comes from nature and art was my only interest. I am really caught up with looking at the landscape all the time- that's my preoccupation. My paintings are an emotional response to the landscapes I love."

Christchurch-born Bruce not only turns his hand to the various technical aspects of Estuary Arts - making pots, ceramics, tiles and glass. He has also evolved a distinctive artistic style which reflects his love of the sea and nature. "Most of life puts us away from nature, but our life is about incorporating nature in what we are doing. I love being in the seascape and my paintings are often of big skies and water and the amazing cloud formations I see when I'm in my boat. "There is often an overlap. I might paint a watercolour and try the idea on a tile and then think that might work on a pot. Every piece is unique in itself," Bruce says.

The couple share a healthy dose of realism, which is why they continue to explore and expand their artistic horizons and they both like to do things well. "Every day we wake up to the sea and the mountains. Our work totally reflects our environment and our life," says Rosie.

While the summer months are busy, Rosie and Bruce enjoy a more contemplative existence during the winter months when the gallery is closed.