“… all beings are exiles as a matter of course. The certainty about living is that it is a succession of expulsions of whatever carries the life force…”

Janet Frame - An Angel at my Table

The cycle of destruction and renewal is a philosophical and cosmological perspective rooted in both ancient tradition and theoretical physics. lt is the only thing in our universe that we can reliably predict, and is seen in the life cycle of all forms of energy. Whether it indicates a reversal or step forward, these defining moments are bound to be transformative.

Myth helps us make sense of this unending change, offering a template to integrate the major events and moral conundrums which make up a life. They are the narrative expression of archetypes, which are universal, innate patterns of thought, behaviour and symbol, which reside in the collective unconscious. Filtering our experiences through this archetypal lens invites us to a consider our similarities, and create positive change.

That we are more than our physical bodies is shown in accounts of mysterious happenings and supernormal abilities which defy our rational, materialist understanding of the universe. They posit the existence of a life force that continues after our death; an energy which exists beyond religion and culture and which underpins our shared humanity.

My style is characterised by expressive mark, strong forms, and a sense of movement. I work at the intersection of figuration and abstraction; dissolving and materialising elements to invoke a feeling of disorientation and unrest.

I graduated from Otago with a BFA in ceramics, then ran a successful business selling ceramic sculpture from Shelly Bay until 2004. I have since gained an MFA in painting and continue to teach and exhibit.

Breather - self portrait by Justine Turnbull

GALLERY

Original Paintings

available
ARTWORK

Recent Work

PRINTS
& CARDS

Prints and Cards

UPCOMING EVENTS

Limited prints of my paintings can be ordered on high quality paper in the following sizes:

40 x 50 cm ($320 NZD) and 60 x 75 cm ($450 NZD). Please contact me to discuss to final sizing as this will depend on the format of the image you choose. Shipping is free and the print will be sent in a protective tube.

I have some beautifully printed cards for sale on high quality 320gsm paper. Check out Prints and Cards.

View my work at my studio by appointment 37 Harrison Street West, Featherston.

I currently have work in a few different galleries in the Wellington and Wairarapa. Please contact me for more information :}

Reckoning, painting by Justine Turnbull (Winner of Peoples Choice Award 2018).

Recent exhibitions and Awards: 

Painting

NZAFA Merit award 2024  "Breather"
NZ Portrait Gallery, "Reckoning", People's Choice Award 2018
Molly Morpeth Canaday Painting Award "Still life with Magnolia" 2014
Wellington Art Review, "Hell but Smaller" 2024
NZAFA Prize Takina finalist, "Trouble in Paradise" 2025

Ceramics

Molly Morpeth Canaday Merit award ceramics 1999
Cleveland Art Awards 1997, "Knitting Circle" Merit Award
Gold Coast International Ceramic  Award, "Love Seat" (acquisitive) 2001

Press:

craft arts International p 93
Scope art design 16, "The Alchemy of Exile" MFA 2018
Dominion Post Dowse exhibition 2000

Instagram link to Justine Turnbulls instagram account.

© Justine Turnbull