Hugh Prebble

I formally engaged in fine art study whilst completing a teaching degree at Waikato University. Over the four year duration of study I laid a solid artistic foundation taking a multitude of bachelor level courses developing; sketching skills, and exploring a variety of painting, printing, and sculpture technique. It was at this time I developed an unquenchable thirst for creating fine art.

Upon graduation from University, I taught fine art as well as other subjects in international schools throughout Asia for the best part of a decade. At this time I was based in mainland China. I was truly inspired by the ancient temples, religions and folk art, Eastern philosophy, and Asian culture.

Throughout much of my life I have trained various martial arts and while living in China I studied the internal martial arts of Chen style tai ji quan, Ba qua Zhang and Xing yi quan. My experience in Asia changed my life forever.

 I have returned to New Zealand, retired from teaching and am at present endeavoring to earn a full time living sculpting. I actively exercise and develop my own personal style; I do this by sketching ideas and concepts and developing concepts through the design process. I continually explore a variety of styles, finishes, materials, and surface detail. I devote much time to research and study the works and movements of fine art through world history.