Rust never sleeps and neither it seems does ‘rust artist’ Don Service, who has added gallery owner to his impressive CV. He tells Cityscape how RightSide Gallery came to be, how his own art has evolved, and how he relaxes when he finds the time.
You are something of a jack-of-all-trades in the art world – how did that come about? I get asked to do lots of different things – art hanging, art repairs and art technician jobs – that come in through word of mouth so I usually say yes then figure it out from there. I have a varied background career-wise, which gives me the confidence to say yes, but art and design has always been my passion.
Tell us about your new gallery and the artists represented? I have wanted a workshop and showroom for years, it just took a while to bring it all together. I met the artists at various shows around the country, became friends and mentioned I was opening a gallery and asked them if they wanted to be involved. Luckily they all said yes.
In your own art you work with rust – what drew you to that? I love the colours and textures in rust and the versatility of steel. I started playing around with them, people liked the results, so I submitted some photos to the first Christchurch Art Show. It has all just grown from there.
Rust never sleeps – that must mean your works change over time? Yes they do change, which I think is cool, but I coat them with lacquers or resins, which slows the rusting process down a lot. I don't want to sell something that quickly turns to a pile of dust on the floor, that would be awkward.
What do you think Christchurch needs the most? More entertaining, exciting and fun things to do. More live music.
Tell us a secret about yourself? I'm a shit guitar player.
What’s your favourite material possession? My 1971 Hamilton Jet 32, which I rebuilt a few years ago. I love getting it out on our rivers and lakes with friends and family.
What are you listening to/reading/bingewatching at the moment? Listening to Gary Clark Jr or Queens of the Stone Age; reading Adrian Newey, How to Build a Car; bingewatching Justified or The Grand Tour.
What’s your favourite movie? Too many to name but I love a good war movie – Saving Private Ryan etc. I’m not so much into romcoms.
Anything coming to Christchurch that you are particularly looking forward to? I always enjoy the SCOPE Classic at Ruapuna every summer.
How do you relax? I love taking the boat out to the Waimakariri or Rakaia rivers with friends, park up wth a beer and try and catch a fish – beautiful, exciting and relaxing. We are very lucky! Also making things.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? It's not what happens to you, it's what you do about it. Don't wait, just start – so get off your arse and make it happen.
If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would you want to do? Racing driver, or drummer in a huge rock band. Unfortunately I’m not good enough for either but I can dream about it.
RightSide Gallery
14 Tyne Street, Addington
021 238 1501
instagram.com/rightside_art_gallery