Mark Compton: on the Risk and Joy of Making Art

Mark Compton started his career as a screen printer, working for 12 years with a company that specialised in fine-art screen prints for many of the dealer galleries in Aotearoa, New Zealand. He then worked for three years as an artist himself, specialising in paint and print-making, producing numerous paintings of native birds, cheeky nods to the unfolding recession, and much more. Mark is also a qualified builder, providing another context to make, problem-solve, and create beauty; building has also proved fertile ground for Mark’s creative lens to grow and be re-formed.

Currently you’ll find Mark slinging coffees alongside his wife, Naomi, in their coffee caravan, Fred. He’s also leaning back into the world of art-making and image creation after some years away. Mark and Naomi live by the beach in Orewa, north of Auckland, and have two children, Adley and Jack.

This conversation offers an absorbing insight into the journey of a contemporary Christian artist. So, slow down, press play and enjoy. Or, as Mark puts it, “give it a nudge”.

To see the images referred to in the episode: https://www.venn.org.nz/article/return-to-wonder/

Welcome to Venn Presents, a series of conversations on the depth and richness of the Christian tradition, as we attempt to outwork it in our 21st century lives. Through this collection, host Sam Bloore and members of the Venn Foundation team will present aspects of their work and reflection, as well as that of the wider Venn community.

Each short series will run across two or three episodes and the topics will be wide-ranging: from exploring Christian faith or doctrine; to engagement with wider culture, like business, the arts, education, music, and sport; and even discussing features of community and family life.
Our hope is these conversations will, in some small way, help us all to re-imagine how the Master’s Gospel might sound in the communities and callings we find ourselves in today.

For more on Venn Foundation's work and resources, go to www.venn.org.nz.

• No. of episodes: 16
• Latest episode: 2023-06-30
• Religion & Spirituality Christianity

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