Maxine Parkin-Jones (Jepson)

FabricSculptureCeramicsMulti-disciplinary

Sep 14

New Artist

On leaving school Maxine started her life as an artist dressing windows for a department store in Ashburton.

On moving to Auckland in the late 60’s Maxine had her first freelance window dressing accounts with textile manufacturing showrooms where she developed the knowledge of turning fabrics into sculpture forms.

One of her first accounts was David Thompson fabrics in Queen Street which catapulted her into the fashion industry with well known fashion boutiques and the added extras of shoe shops, jewellery, glassware, fabrics, menswear and much more.

In the late 80’s calico sculptures were created which depicted the human face, torsos and full length bodies which were swathed in unbleached calico with added calico knitting, platting and pleating.

With this knowledge and art form Maxine moved into Australia. The sculptures were a success in solo and larger exhibitions throughout NSW, Victoria and Queensland and winning many awards.

While in Australia Maxine had the opportunity to have exhibitions at Majlis Gallery in the old part of Dubai which took her sculpture works into Europe, U.K. and USA.

Maxine moved back to Auckland 2010 where she has continued with her textile art forms, abstract canvases, sculpture and ceramics entering into exhibitions each year.

Maxine has her last solo exhibition in November 2026 in Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House Titirangi, focusing on contemporary tribal people and oversized textile and ceramic fish - both wall hangings.

Maxine’s art work over the years are found in foyers, restaurants, private and corporate collections throughout the world.