Edge of the Forest, Castle Hill

Tom Field

1938 –

Tom Field grew up in Nelson and attended Nelson College prior to studying at Ilam art School at the University of Canterbury.

He had a long teaching career beginning as art teacher at St Andrews College, Christchurch, later lecturing graphics and design at Hamilton Teachers College, and for many years lecturing at Otago Polytechnic School of Art, Dunedin. He also was, for a time, a graphic artist at TVNZ Wellington. His work as a freelance designer and illustrator has been diverse; from architectural models, furniture and wallpaper design, to illustrating books, notably for New Zealand poet Brian Turner.

Throughout his teaching career Field continue to develop his own art practice and regularly exhibited his paintings. Shows included the opening show at the famous Christchurch gallery the Brooke-Gifford. His paintings were also included in shows with “The Group” and “20/20”.  Field has continued to paint since the 2011 earthquake but has not been a regular exhibitor in New Zealand.

In recent years he enjoys to travel to southern France and Spain, always painting his environs. Smaller exhibitions have been held there and also recently in Australia.

Field's Christchurch home overlooks the estuary from Mt Pleasant, Christchurch, the walls of which are testament to his rich artistic career.