Method and Manners

Written by Anna Forsyth

For many artists, finding your own studio space to create in can be a hard task.  Artist Erin Forsyth and her sister, Leah, decided to take matters into their own hands.   This year they set up a new creative space in Auckland under the banner of their non-profit company, ‘Method and Manners’.

Graphic designers, oil painters, illustrators, fashion designers and even sculptors now inhabit their own studio spaces in the upper Queen Street building.  The artists use the space work individually as creatives, but Erin is open to the idea of collaborating in the future.

“…this space is so important, because it is motivating and inspiring to be working in an environment with other like-minded peers and to witness the development of creative practices which differ from your own.  I guess that's where the name came from too; 'Method' being the medium people work in and 'Manners', being the way in which they work…we are all a little geeky.”

Being close to the artistic hub of Karangahape Road, with its rich creative and cultural heritage, offers a stimulating location for the artists. Currently, the area is experiencing a process of gentrification, so securing the space was a stroke of luck that came just at the right time.

Method and Manners studio spaces filled up quickly, showing a need among Auckland’s arts crowd for creative bases. The building had been the home of a family business for more than 30 years and still acts as the shop front for the Electric Equipment Company downstairs. It’s great to think that what was once a drab office environment is now buzzing with creative activity and energy. 

“One of the things that is so difficult about working for yourself or freelancing - particularly in the creative sector is finding the motivation to do anything at all,” says Erin. “Having your own space is a great start and paying rent on it adds to the motivation to use it.”

So what is Erin up to?

“I’ve just finished some illustrative designs for Insight clothing and Flox which will be out later in the year. Leah and I are creating an installation for Tiger Translate (the NZ-developed, internationally-acclaimed art and music party) through our company The Busy Nice. There is also an installation I have created inside the clothing boutique Children of Vision.”

The Busy Nice is a venture which couples art-based project management, including the artistic projects of the two sisters, with independent publishing.  Erin’s work also appears in the new French magazine Lurve.

So in regards to ‘Method’, what about Erin’s artistic journey?

“Every achievement feels like growing pains and generally depresses me.  The moving towards and the continuation of my practice is important to me. A life’s work cannot be satisfied singularly in my opinion. Passion for my work is for all of my work regardless of the outcome.”

Erin’s work is gathering a loyal following. She began officially exhibiting her illustrations and other works in 2000 and has since exhibited in galleries in New Zealand and Australia, including The High Seas, Plaything, Market, Monster Children and Liberty.

Her work is showcased on her blog, The Life and Times of Erin Forsyth. (Click to follow link.)


As for ‘Manners’, as her sister, I can say that she is extremely well-mannered.  Except if you wake her up early in the morning.