Art to Art around
The Spirit of Art
I love the idea of carrying a piece of art around with you, that you are the setting for each piece, like you've been transformed into a moving canvas. You're doing 'you' while the brooch interacts with its surroundings and the people it meets. What does it evoke? How does this influence how you engage with people.
This is just one of the many things I love about art, is that it has the power to transport. Art works in mysterious ways, whether you are the creator or the observer — to spark thought, emotion, and curiosity beyond the ordinary.
An AriCat brooch channels the spirit of artistic masters, past and present, creating a conversation between eras, but adding a slightly different dimension while honoring the originals.
ArtiCat explores the intersections of art, philosophy, fashion, and design. It’s a place for imagination, creativity, and playful experimentation.
And yes — wherever possible, there’s a subtle nod to the feline, a reminder that big cats inspire us and need our help.
This piece is inspired by the late American artist Cy Twombly.
Each piece has a tale to tell.
It’s about accessing the brilliant minds, the boundless imagination, and the free-spirited creativity that flows from the mysterious well of inspiration. Pure magic.
About
My name is Irenee Gardiner
Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
At high school I was very fortunate to have had a wonderful art teacher who encouraged me to take life drawing and portrait lessons from the late NZ artist Garth Tapper.
This skill remained with me and headed me into the world of art and design.
Where art meets conservation
My Love for Big Felines
A thought that often concerns me is how disadvantaged a creature is without a voice. Animals must rely on chance, or on the hope that when they are alongside humans, their needs are understood.
After reading Tigers in Red Weather by Ruth Padel, granddaughter of Charles Darwin, and several books by Valmik Thapar (who passed away in 2025), I gained a deeper understanding of the current state of big cats and their needs. The stark reality is that their numbers are drastically lower than they were just 100 years ago. Padel’s work beautifully illustrates how the health and flourishing of these majestic creatures are inseparable from the well-being of the forests they inhabit. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand the vital role tigers and other big cats play in our ecosystem.
When it comes to nature—which has no voice of its own and so desperately needs to be heard—giving and helping is something I can’t help but do.
ArtiCat Studios supports Panthera and Four Paws, organisations dedicated to the protection and conservation of these incredible animals. One of the core visions of ArtiCat Studios is to contribute, in a small but meaningful way, to the preservation of wildlife.
Your support helps. Thank you!
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