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Reviving timber and reimagining art with Glen Turner

15 Jan 2025

Tucked away in Christchurch’s creative hub, The Lobe, Glen Turner brings sustainable artistry to life using Resene paints and wallpapers in unexpected ways. A self-taught artist with a knack for reimagining the discarded, Glen works with recycled materials – particularly timber salvaged from post-earthquake demolitions and family home renovations. His art tells stories of renewal, weaving history into dynamic, visually striking pieces. 

Glen has been part of The Lobe, a collective studio space in Sydenham, for over a year. “I love the creative vibe and great banter we all have here,” he says. “It’s a space filled with makers and designers who can do pretty much anything, from commercial and residential design to custom furniture and fit outs.” 

This collaborative environment fosters creativity, allowing Glen to blend the unique with the sustainable. 


One of Glen’s latest works, called ‘Fenchurch’, features Resene Dark Knight, Resene Explorer, Resene Breathless, Resene Lynchpin, Resene Big Stone and ReseneTangaroa, as well Resene Wallpaper Collection M36901. 


Up close with Glen’s ‘Fenchurch’ the intricate details showcase his hard work and design. This piece features the nature pattern of Resene Wallpaper Collection M36901 along with the shades Resene Dark Knight, Resene Explorer, Resene Breathless, Resene Lynchpin, Resene Big Stone and ReseneTangaroa. 

Glen’s artistic process is deeply tied to his materials, including his love for Resene paints and wallpapers. “I genuinely love using Resene,” he says. “The wallpapers, especially ones with plant, jungle or grassy designs – or anything textured or Art Deco gold – are so inspiring!” These elements often feature in his work, complementing the natural beauty of the reclaimed timber he uses. 

Glen’s process begins without traditional plans or sketches. Instead, he visualises general shapes and patterns, working intuitively with the materials at hand. “I let the timber guide me,” he says. “Each decision builds on the one before it, creating a layered, evolving artwork.” 

From cutting and arranging timber to sanding, painting and finishing, each step balances the material’s natural warmth with the richness of Resene’s colours and finishes. 


Glen’s piece, ‘Whiskey’, is painted in Resene Possessed, Resene Jurassic, Resene Woodsmoke, Resene Mangrove, Resene Marshland, Resene Field Day, Resene Half Rivergum and Resene Blackjack. There are also subtle hints of texture through Resene Wallpaper Collection 25746. 


Looking carefully at this piece shows the detail and skills that go into Glen’s work. The various textures, shades and shapes create one-of-a-kind artwork.  

Glen’s inspirations come from the interplay of organic and human-made forms. “I’m drawn to the subtle contrasts between nature and built environments,” he says. “Light and texture reveal nuances that I bring into my work.” While timber remains his primary medium, Glen’s curiosity extends to experimenting with other materials and techniques. 

Glen accepts a limited number of commissions annually, with slots filling quickly. His work can also be found in group exhibitions across New Zealand. For those eager to see his creations firsthand, The Lobe is open to the public, offering a glimpse into his transformative art. 

Through his unique vision and dedication to sustainability, Glen Turner invites us to see beauty in the forgotten, using paint and wallpaper designs to add depth, texture and colour to his inspired designs. See more of Glen’s work here! 

Published: 15 Jan 2025