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Otago Daily Times I December 2007 Destined to paint Wanaka artist Stephanie Defregger was destined to throw paint around. She is the great grand-daughter of renowned German academic painter Franz von Defregger (1835-1921). “We always had oil paint and canvases lying about at home. There were always artistic people there, too. So, it was easy to start painting”, she says. Defregger (31) arrived in New Zealand two years ago from Munich and has established herself in Wanaka. Her work explores the depths in both emotion and construction, with her paintings receiving up to 40 layers of paint. “Even though the first colour layers are then mostly invisible, the are important for the whole art composition.” Nigel Benson
QT Magazine I January 2008 Vibrant talent Born into a famous family of artists, German artist Stephanie Defregger spent many happy hours visiting museums and galleries as a young child, developing a passionate connection with art. Strongly influenced by her famous great grandfather, Franz von Defregger whose work hangs in museums all over the world, Stephanie describes her vibrant art as ‘poles apart’ from his work. “My work is on a different frequency, more soulful and colourful and I like to paint outside capturing the light and the nature.” A few years ago she was hosting solo exhibitions in Munich with a permanent exhibition at the world famous hotel ‘Bayerischer Hof”. However after traveling to New Zealand in 2006, Stephanie has now chosen Wanaka as her home. “Wanaka is a very special place with similar geography to my home of Munich but with a momentous and gorgeous energy. It was a definite calling for me to come live and work here and I lice being immersed in this environment. Stephanie has achieved impressive success since arriving in New Zealand with her colourful work, a mix of abstract structures and landscaping attracting significant commissions. She is also available to paint live at events capturing the atmosphere in her artwork. Stephanie uses only high-quality acrylics and canvas. Her dynamic work continues to sell internationally and she is available by appointment to meet clients and showcase her work at her home studio in central Wanaka. “My work is very special and it’s good for people to be able to come and meet to discuss what they desire and the type of space where the art will be hung.” Margo Berryman
The Southland Times I April 2008 Art In The Park enthrals over 400 connoisseurs More than 400 people gathered at Art in the Park held at Minaret Lodge, Wanaka, yesterday. The annual event is organised by Wanaka Ski and Snow Sports Club to support its athletes in their overseas training pursuits. "The weather is just fantastic. We could not have asked for a better day," Gary Tate, owner of Minaret Lodge said. There was something for everyone during the afternoon. Children were enthralled with a puppet show, while singers and musicians wandered through the grounds entertaining the crowd. Local singing artists included Jodi Direen, Will Austin, Bex Murray, the Rotary Choir, Johanna Hansen, Anna Studholme, Anna Van Riel and Susan Turnbull. The event showcased 30 local artists whose work was also for sale. Among them was Stephanie Defregger who lives and works in Wanaka. Defregger is the great granddaughter of German artist Franz von Defregger and has spent her life immersed in art. She moved to New Zealand two years ago from Germany. Her art is represented in several galleries in New Zealand and is also shown in solo exhibitions, group exhibitions and auctions.
Glenda Turnbull
The NEWS I June 2008 Funds raised for preschool About $32,000 worth of artwork now adorns the walls of homes and work-places in the Upper Clutha following last weekend’s Wanaka Preschool art auction.... “It was a great night and we had lots of really positive comments,” Ms Davies said. “They were quite a few contenders for a few of the art works. It was really fun.” Far from anywhere: Wanaka artist Stephanie Defregger captures New Zealand’s distance from the rest of the world in her painting 45th degree parallel. Lucy Ibbotson
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