About Darren Burch
I am a registered New Zealand artist that loves the artistry which is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage, a passion ignited in childhood and woven into my soul. From early memories to the present, I have always been inspired by my historical background, transforming these inspirations into vivid sketches and canvas paintings.
My work showcases the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of New Zealand, each piece telling a personal story. Using my distinct techniques and creative flair, I invest significant time and effort into every artwork, ensuring each one is an intricate and unique reflection of my spirit.
Although my love for art began in my youth and continued through high school, I spent 32 years as a glass artist owning a glass art business for 18 of those years. I specialized in drawing and etching designs on glass surfaces.
Currently, I primarily use acrylics on canvas and am excited to launch a new collection of kiwi illustrations. My goal is for my work to gain recognition both in New Zealand and internationally. I have participated in university online exhibitions and sold original pieces to galleries and through online platforms. I am eagerly working towards hosting my personal exhibition here in Istanbul.
Original Paintings
Be the first to view new original artworks. Our new paintings will be displayed directly onto our studio blogs.
Commissions
I accept commissions based on the subject matter and location. please reach out to discuss your ideas and requirements.
Prints
Fine art prints of our art, are now available. Selected prints can also be shipped directly to your door via shop prints.
Keep in touch
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More about the Artist
Greetings and welcome to the realm of artistic expression. Within this creative space, I find immense joy in the intricate dance of colors and strokes, shaping narratives that breathe life into the canvases of Aotearoa. My identity intertwines with the vibrant tapestries I weave, delving into the heart of New Zealand's cultural essence through landscapes and illustrative paintings. Fueling my artistic journey is a profound well of inspiration drawn from a special muse, my beloved wife. Beyond being a source of creative spark, she possesses a unique artistic flair that emanates tranquility and captivates with its calming beauty. My deepest aspiration in this artistic pursuit is to amplify her talents, creating a haven where her artistic dreams can blossom once more. As an artist, I immerse myself in the immersive realm of illustrative painting, a format that resonates with both my wife and me. Our shared vision seeks to convey narratives that stand out as truly distinctive to our audience. Each piece I create is a testament to pouring heart and soul into the canvas, striving for the pinnacle of artistic excellence. In this pursuit, I recognize the importance of exposure in magazines and galleries for any artist. However, my unwavering commitment lies in ensuring that every stroke I paint reflects my very best. Art, to me, is a vessel for expressing the deepest facets of our beings, a medium through which we push our creative boundaries and forge a profound connection with our chosen materials. As I navigate the path of artistic creation, my ultimate goal is not merely personal success but the realization of a dream for my wife. I aim to construct a platform that nurtures her artistic endeavors, where her unique and creative ideas can flourish once again. The art we create is more than just visual aesthetics; it is a shared journey of inspiration, a testament to the passion that binds us to the canvas and, hopefully, resonates with others in their own artistic pursuits.
The Journey
As a certified glass artist with over three decades of experience, I have had the privilege of honing my craft and learning from some of the most renowned experts in the field. From 1984 to 1992, I worked for Maurice Sandblasting Ltd, where I received comprehensive training and mentoring in sandblasting techniques from my employer, Noel Maurice. During this time, I became proficient in creating exact replicas of glass designs from the 1940s and restoring damaged glass panels to their original form. In 1992, I ventured out and started my own business, 'The Sandblasting Artists.' Prior to this, I had applied for and received a government grant for my business idea under the 'Be Your Own Boss' program.
My 15-week business course taught me vital skills such as cash flow management, tax reporting, sales, customer relationship management, and much more. I grew the business to become a major player in the glassware industry, reselling wholesale products to 70% of the retail market. Despite market saturation, I remained innovative, designing and creating new products to stay ahead of the competition. During the seven years I ran my first business, I had a team of seven employees, including a business partner who went on to become a general manager for a large warehouse company in Australia and New Zealand. After selling the business in 1999, I worked for Pilkington Glass, where I acquired additional skills such as machine repair and maintenance. In 2004, I joined Metropolitan Glass as a glass polisher, and two years later, I established MGM Sandblasting with my business partner from Winstone Glass. By 2016, my business had grown to serve 80% of New Zealand's glass companies, providing glass products for commercial and residential properties. Unfortunately, financial challenges and bankruptcy forced me to close the doors of MGM Glass Sandblasting in October 2015. Nevertheless, I remain grateful for the wealth of experience and knowledge I have gained from working in this dynamic and challenging field.
The author's journey as an artist began at the age of 9, when they started sketching and painting pictures from books and family photos. In 1979, they started drawing large pictures onto cardboard, and this is when they began connecting and finding their own style.
In 1982, the author received the highest grade for any student in art at Selwyn College in Auckland 98%. Photography 88%, Math 53% and English 51% . Two years later, in 1984, they started working for Maurice Glass Blasting in Browns street, Ponsonby Auckland, where they learned the arts of glass design and sandblasting. The author drew onto glass and sandblasted pictures directly onto the glass.
In 1987, the author worked for A.E. Harradence & Co. Glass and etching for four months before returning to work with Maurice Glass Blasting in Engle Hurst Road, Ellerslie Auckland.
In 1992, the author received a government grant and took a 15-week business course. They started their first glass sandblasting business, Glass Sandblasting Artist, which was in three locations during its time - New Market, Mt Eden, and Henderson.
In 1999, the author sold their glass sandblasting business and continued working with the new owners for one year. They also finished a large painting that took four years to complete in the same year. Blog
In 2000, the author started working for Pilkington Glass in North Shore Auckland while doing small sandblasting projects for themselves at home. Four years later, in 2004, they started working for Metropolitan Glass in North Shore Auckland and also started doing small sandblasting projects from home.
In the same year, the author started a partnership with Winstone Glass in Henderson and started a new glass sandblasting business called "MGM Sandblasting." Two years later, in 2006, the author bought out their partner's half of the business and renamed it MGM Glass Sandblasting.
The author's MGM Glass Sandblasting business was closed in 2016. Between 2016 and 2020, the author started drawing imagination drawings for YouTube and did some new oil paintings as well.
In 2021, the author started painting New Zealand landscapes again, and they plan to reveal their new subject after all 15 paintings are completed. In 2022, they started a new project with their wife that focuses on the environment and New Zealand culture. The author describes themselves as a visual expressionism painter and creates all original art pieces as Koru Kiwi Artist Darren Burch.
During their time as an artist, the author learned many different types of things, including 32 years as a certified glass artist. They also believe that arts is about the freedom they have to draw whatever they want with no rules, testing and taking their skills and imagination to a higher level.
Over the course of my illustrious 32-year career as a certified glass artist, I have acquired a diverse range of skills and knowledge in various artistic disciplines.
In 2022, I started a new project with my wife that focuses on the environment and New Zealand culture. I’ve given myself a new title as a visual expressionist artist of New Zealand culture. Working together for Koru Kiwi Arts. My social media accounts reveal all. Over the course of my illustrious 32-year career as a certified glass artist, I have acquired a diverse range of skills and knowledge in various artistic disciplines.
All registered New Zealand artist. Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Showcasing galleries that represent NZ Art
Glass Art:
Sandblasting artworks on glass
Etching, Sandblasting, Shading and deep blasting
Coloring and gold embossing
Engraving and brilliant cutting
XBS liquid or sheet (Dark room exposure)
Glue chipping
Cutting and polishing glass
Gluing glass together
Screen printing
Tissue printing
Glass slumping
Glass fusion
Reading architectural plans
Understanding glass products
Drawing and hand cutting patterns
Stick-on lead-lighting
Acid etching and making acid paste and liquid
Replacements and historical replacements
All glass products: Chessboards, Glassware, Trophies, 21st keys, Tombstones, Shower screens, Glass partition, Main entrance door designs, Interior door designs, Balustrading, Corporate and domestic Glass Designs, Glazing, Glass Measuring, Banks, Museums, Public bus stops, Exporting.
Painting and Drawing:
Painting with Water-colours, Acrylics and Oil painting
Pencil drawing
Pen drawing
Sketching
Digital artwork with 2DPencil and Corel Draw
Black and white film processing and developing
Technical drawing
Vinyl prints and cutting
Collage
Sculpture and Carving:
Sculpture
Bone carving
Wood and Metal works
Performing Arts:
Songwriter
Performer and Singer
Other:
Being an Extra on production and film work
Video editing for YouTube
Animation
Visual arts
Spray painting
Other skills: Builder, plumber, electrician, first aid, heavy truck driver, gardener, diver, and fishing boat skipper
Other Skills: Preschool English teacher.
New Zealand Cultural Glass / Artist Darren Burch
My skills in the art of glass design cover an extensive period of my life. Teaching my staff members has always been a pleasure, especially seeing them getting excited about learning something uniquely different that's not found anywhere else in the art field. My collection of antique photographs that I'd taken, during my years in the glass art industry. Regrettably, I was not able to capture every artifact of my artistic endeavors through photography, as it would have resulted in an insurmountable collection of pictures over my 32 years in the glass art business. Nevertheless, I am exceedingly grateful for the prized pieces that I had managed to accumulate during my tenure in the trade.
