Bronwynne Cornish & Deborah Smith - The Departure Lounge & Conversation with Stones

'The Departure Lounge' - Bronwynne Cornish

When I used to visit my friend Nick Edwards in New York in the 1980s, we would wander the streets in the evenings, taking in the shop window displays. One in particular has stayed with me: a shoe store with its display floor lined entirely with eggs, and high-heeled shoes prancing across them.

I first began making floor works in 1983, wanting to move my pieces off plinths and offer a different way of seeing. A Dedication to the Kindness of Mothers and The Moon Room at the Auckland City Art Gallery marked the beginning of this phase inviting viewers to look down, to look closely, and to shift their perspective.

Earlier this year, while in Northland at the end of the kūmara harvest, I bought three sacks of seconds and began forming the idea for The Departure Lounge. I thought about how kūmara links many Pacific Rim cultures, and how essential it has been as a food source for communities across the region. My very first crop in my garden at Maungawhau was kūmara and I still grow them today.

My connection with Deborah Smith goes back to her days at Elam Art School, when she worked at Real Time!. Over the years we have become very close friends, so when Yuka offered us a show at Public Record, we leapt at the opportunity. What I admire in Deborah’s photography is her ability to draw our attention to the magic and grandeur of the natural world. Nature rules in Deborah’s uniquely attentive way of looking.

In my own garden, which I have tended for the past 45 years, rest The Mother and many beloved animals including my dearly departed bantam hen, Miranda.

The Departure Lounge acknowledges passing the passing of time, the passing of people, and the passing of pets. It is like waiting in an airport: everyone is going somewhere, though in this case the destination is unknown. This work recognises all those who have helped, inspired, or offered a hand along the way.

This is for you.

Bronwynne Cornish, November 2025

'Conversation with Stones' - Deborah Smith

Mudlark (Bronwynne's nickname)  & I share ancient history.... I first met the work of Bronwynne Cornish through her work Dedicated to the Kindness of Mothers at The Auckland Art Gallery in 1983. 
In a dimly lit room, a large mother lay on the floor, fashioned from Three Kings basalt and Waiheke clay- chthonic, outsized, absolutely thrilling and punk. She was surrounded by a ring of fine porcelain skulls, washed in soft pink light on the walls. I was completely blown away.

It's fairly clear that Mudlark was hanging out with the Ancient Egyptians, then the Myceans in a past life. She believes in clay, animals, nature, honouring the dead & many other things. Mudlark has never been afraid of the bold move. Here at Public Record she riffs on the Departure Lounge, the kumara and her earthy, fevery, talismanic girl gang. Her figures- so ancient, so modern, call to me every morning- Get up! Women rule! Give it hell out there, it's a wild, wild world.

In late winter Mudlark & I went to visit the kumara pits & drink tea on Maungawhau. 
My mother died in spring. Once again, I'm deep in thoughts of the kindness of mothers & the wild circularity of life and friendships. My part of this show- this conversation between Mudlark, Yuka & me is called Conversation with Stones. It's a title from Barbara Hepworth.

My work acknowledges Mudlark, our friendship & her practice(it's a lighthouse for me), the Wild Woman, the maunga that we love so much, stones & my mother. A line from Geneva AM's recent song Urban Planning loops in my mind- I've got my tipuna with me.  

I breath out....