The Central App shares a story of our region’s artists each month. If you know someone with creative talent to nominate contact: [email protected]

Clyde’s Ross Cowie is an artist who works in many mediums, including painting, printmaking, sketching and pottery.

What is special about your place?

“Clyde [is] a beautiful historic town in the centre of Central Otago. An ideal spot

to be able to travel around and enjoy the surrounding countryside which has 

much to offer.”

How did you get started as an artist and what inspires you?

“From a small child, I have always had a love for drawing and painting. This was

particularly stimulated by teacher and well-known artist Frank Reed when I was in

standard four, and extended through my art teacher at intermediate school. 

“Sadly an academic education did not include art and it was through my own interests that I have continued to dabble as a hobby during my working years. The desire to learn

more took me to an art school following my retirement which stimulated my wish to

become more active. 

A still life painting in Ross’ studio 

“I was also an artist member of the Otago Art Society and part of a strong printmakers group where we undertook Intaglio and relief printing. As well as printmaking, I have enjoyed working in pencil, charcoal, soft pastels, acrylic and watercolours. My other interest is sculptural ceramics.”

How have you ended up living in Central?

“Born and bred in Dunedin, and apart from a short working stint in Wellington, have

spent the majority of my working life in that city. Central Otago has been a

playground and holiday destination and it was always a desire to live here in

retirement.”

Some of his pottery pieces

What’s your favourite spot in Central Otago?

“[O]utside of enjoying my artistic activities, I enjoy pottering around our beautiful garden, which is an extension of my artistic endeavours…. I always enjoy the majesty and moods of the skies that can be seen here and I love to capture them in my work. This is particularly so over the Maniototo. Another favourite area because of its rawness and solitude is Poolburn and environs.”

His studio has artwork in a variety of mediums 

What else are you involved in within the community?

“I have a small art group, which initially started off as a drawing class, but through

their enthusiasm has continued on experimenting with other mediums. My wife and I

belong to the local garden club and we both take a strong interest in local body

activities. Wherever possible we support any local cultural events.”

What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central Otago?

“The challenges I see are the increase in urbanisation in rural areas and smaller

towns, a desire for high density residential developments, the increase in factory

type farming practices and random developments, such as the Clyde data centre,

which [I see] as all eroding the unique values that Central Otago has.” 

A truck painted by Ross 

“Since building our house in Clyde 30 years ago, we have seen many changes to Central Otago. Many of these are positive, such as the bike trails. However, it is important to never lose sight of why people want to come to Central Otago.”

How can people find out more about your art? 

“I’m on the Central Otago Arts Trail and have a small studio at our residence which

is open on request (call 0274 362424). I am still to embrace social media to lift my profile.”

How did you manage through the Covid-19 pandemic?

“The pandemic was no problem… The peace and quiet in Clyde was a real joy. I must admit, it made us a little reclusive and during the pandemic period, we did not have the studio open.”

What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?

“I will continue with my endeavours, always trying new things and other mediums. I enjoy what I am doing for art's sake. However, it is always a pleasure when someone purchases a piece to enjoy on their walls.”