Christmas will be here before we know it. And while this time of year can sometimes feel like a rush to find something for everyone, I'm drawn to a slightly different approach to gifting.
What if we gave something with a little more meaning?
Something made by an artist. Something crafted by hand. Something that supports a small business. Something that becomes part of someone's home and stays with them long after Christmas morning.
At Ashe, there are plenty of ways to find a thoughtful gift - from smaller ceramic and sculptural pieces and beautiful art prints, through to original paintings and statement works.
And if you're not quite sure what they'll love, an Ashe Gift Certificate lets them choose something for themselves.
Give Something Made Here
One of the things I love most about the work at Ashe is knowing the people behind it.
The artists and makers I represent are working within their own creative practices, developing ideas, experimenting with materials and creating objects that have their own stories and personalities.
When you buy a piece of New Zealand art, you're not simply buying an object. You're supporting an artist. You're supporting creative practice. You're supporting small Christchurch business. And you're helping make it possible for artists to continue doing what they do.
That's something worth giving.
Art Gifts for Every Kind of Person
Art doesn't have to mean a large painting hanging above the sofa.
Sometimes the perfect gift is much smaller. A beautiful handmade ceramic. A sculptural object for a shelf. A print by a New Zealand artist. A book about art, design or photography. A piece that brings colour, texture or a little personality into someone's home.
And then there are those pieces that make you stop in your tracks - the original paintings, sculptures and statement works that you know someone will treasure for years.
There is no right size or price point for a meaningful gift.
It's about finding the piece that feels right for the person.
Buying for Someone Who Already Has Everything?
This is often where art can be particularly wonderful.
Instead of adding another generic object to someone's home, consider something they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves. A small artwork. A handmade ceramic. A beautiful print.
Something unexpected that starts a conversation. Something they can live with. Something that reminds them of the person who gave it to them.
I think those are the gifts that become the most meaningful over time.
Not Sure What to Choose?
This is where you can come and talk to me. You don't need to know the name of an artist or have a particular piece in mind.
Tell me about the person you're buying for. What do they like? What is their home like? Are they drawn to colour or something more neutral? Do they already collect art? What's your budget?
I'll listen, guide you through what's available, and help you find something that feels right. Sometimes you walk into Ashe knowing exactly what you're looking for. Other times, you find something completely unexpected.
Both are good.
Or Let Them Choose
If you're worried about choosing the wrong piece, an Ashe Gift Certificate is a simple way to give someone the opportunity to find something meaningful for themselves.
They might put it towards an original artwork. A print. A ceramic. A sculpture. Or perhaps something they've had their eye on for a while.
You get to give them the experience of choosing something they'll genuinely love.
Think Local. Think Small. Think Meaningful.
If you're in a position to give this Christmas, I'd encourage you to think about where your money goes.
Think local. Think small business. Think about the artist or maker behind the object you're buying. Think about choosing something that has been made with intention rather than something produced simply to fill a Christmas shopping list.
Every purchase from a small business helps keep that business going.
Every artwork sold helps support an artist's creative practice.
And every person who chooses to buy locally contributes to the creative character of the place we call home.
For me, that's what makes gifting art particularly special. You're giving something beautiful, while also contributing to something bigger.
Come and Find Something
There is lots to discover at Ashe this Season from smaller ceramic and sculptural pieces to art prints, original paintings and statement works. And with Christmas approaching, there's never been a better time to come in, have a look around, and see what catches your eye.
You don't need to have a plan. You don't need to be an art collector. Just come in. Have a browse. Ask questions. Tell me who you're buying for. I'm here to listen, guide and help you find the right piece.
Because the best gifts aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive. They're the ones that make someone feel remembered. And perhaps, years from now, they might look at that piece in their home and remember who gave it to them.