By Laura Frykberg
It takes a steady hand to light a match, but one artist has found another use for the matchboxes, which requires an even steadier hand.
One woman has done away with the canvas for something much smaller.
His famous face is on the United States penny, but it is likely its Abraham Lincoln’s first appearance on a matchbox.
The petite portrait's one of 500 Alex Scott’s spent two and a half years creating.
“I think I’m just lucky to have a steady hand to begin with,” says Ms Scott. “I don't think I would've painted so many if I didn't have the steady hand for it.”
In series' of ten she has grouped together matchbox paintings of the most iconic of images in her exhibition The Matchbox Collections.
“The most famous masterpieces, the most famous heroes, or the most famous people who've died in car crashes and plane crashes,” she talks about what features in the exhibition.
“This is the living legend series and it includes Madonna, Twiggy, Lou Reed, Prince, Blondie, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, and Bob Dylan.”
Politicians that stood the test of time are also included.
“I think Bolger was probably the hardest one to do. He doesn't have the best complexion, maybe it's just in that particular shot but it's all a bit grey.”
But she says all that effort will be worth it if it is sold at the opening of the exhibition tonight in Auckland.
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The Matchbox Collections by Alex Scott is showing at the Letham Gallery, 35 Jervois Road, Ponsonby