Born in New Zealand Bruce Treloar studied at the Elam School of Fine Art and University of Auckland. During the early 1980s Treloar chose Sydney as a base from where he travelled extensively. Due to the nomadic nature of his lifestyle, writing and illustrating books became a preferred medium. His children's books set in coastal Australia or the South Pacific, explore universal themes, winning numerous Australian awards. These illustrations are housed in the Lu Reeves archives in Canberra, and the Dromkeen Foundation in Melbourne. During this time Treloar also taught painting and design at tertiary Australian institutes, exhibiting his own work in Sydney in 1982.
Treloar, now based in Auckland has long enjoyed success as a professional artist. Over the years his style has developed from early large scale works on paper to the symbolism and iconography seen in his Saint Francis Series 2004- 2007. In more recent years the focus has been on figurative subjects often in island and coastal settings.
Pathways May 2016, is Treloar's first solo exhibition in eight years. This offering of over 20 new works embodies and extends familiar subject matter. Paintings of childhood summers, both past and present are captured in confident brushstrokes against impasto skies of turquoise blue. Coromandel shores and Pacific Island settings play their part.
Tivaevae, the large, colourful cotton throws loving hand-sewn and unique to the Cook Islands are an art form in themselves. In a Matisse-like manner, Treloar draws upon the various organic shapes chosen by the Cook Island women in these unique and beautiful tapestries of Polynesia. Treloar unites cultures and hemispheres in this well-rounded collection of joyful works.