The wonderful Montana World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show is celebrated every year. Ever since its first appearance in Nelson in 1987, WOW has electrified audiences and critics alike. NZ Post said, "Today, it is an internationally acclaimed seven-night theatrical extravaganza - an achievement we applauded with this gorgeous range of five new stamps."
The hugely successful WOW Awards attracts entries from New Zealand and around the world, with performers ranging from magicians and ballroom dancers to aerial artists and opera singers.
The Stamps.
45c - 'Dragon Fish.'
Using hand-dyed, stencilled and ruched silk organza, split cane and recycled baskets, Susan Holmes of Auckland created 'Dragon Fish', a gloriously fantastic creature that captivated audiences and judges alike in the 1996 WOW® Awards. Winner of the Chez Eelco Supreme Award, Dragon Fish is a superb combination of the impossible and the practical, with a beautiful evening gown skilfully hidden beneath its layers.
90c - 'Persephone's Descent.'
'Persephone's Descent' was the first garment Stuart Johnson of Wellington had ever entered in the Montana WOW® Awards Show - and it went on to win him the ultimate accolade, the 2002 Montana Supreme Award. Created from hand-made components of mild and stainless steel, brass, chain, wood, leather, pewter and rotary clothesline parts, the garment reflects Johnson's interest in historical armour and the skills he has applied as armourer to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
$1.35 - 'Meridian.'
Rowan McLennan of Napier entered 'Meridian' as a third entry in the Montana WOW Awards Show. This lovely silk garment symbolises the return of energy, vitality and strength to the artist's body after a long illness, a bold, vibrant and passionate statement that celebrates life, warmth and sunshine. The extravagant creation earned McLennan the 2002 Wales & MacKinlay Silk Award.
$1.50 - 'Taunga Ika.'
The traditions and traits of Māori culture took on a new twist with 'Taunga Ika', Highly Commended to the Montana Supreme WOW Awards in 2001. Inspiration for designer Louise Neilson of Nelson came from prehistoric Māori fish hooks, representing strength, power, beauty and an entire way of life, while her source materials are harakeke (flax), supplejack, pumice and muka.
$2.00 - 'Cailleach Na Mara (Sea Witch).'
Jan Kerr of Waikanae has long been a successful WOW entrant, but her 2001 entry stood out from the rest. This 'bag lady from the sea' positively drips with oceanic treasures, from recycled materials to old lace, beads, paper mâachée sea creatures, driftwood, old bones and shells. 'Sea Witch' is a product of her possessions and her environment, and deserving of being Highly Commended to the Air New Zealand Oceanic Section of the WOW Awards.
Collectible Items.
First Day Cover - 5 May 2004.
A celebration of the diversity and colour of this wonderfully unique event with this lavish first-day cover.
Presentation pack containing information on each of the stamps as well as copies of the first-day cover and five stamps.
Limited edition collectable containing exclusive stamp products not available anywhere else.
The WOW limited edition was an insight into this multi-award winning event, which has enthralled audiences for over 17 years. With information on the garments, their designers and the history of the Awards, this exclusive product was a highly sought-after collector item (only 2,000 were produced).
Technical information.
Date of issue: 5 May 2004.
The number of stamps: Five.
Denominations and designs: 45c 'Dragon Fish', 90c 'Persephone's Descent', $1.35 'Meridian', $1.50 'Taunga Ika', $2.00 'Cailleach Na Mara' (Sea Witch).
Stamps designed: Cato Design, Wellington.
Printer and process: Southern Colour Print, Dunedin, by offset lithography.
The number of colours: Four process colours.
Stamp size and format: 40mm x 30mm (vertical).
Paper Type: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor stamp paper
The number of stamps per sheet: 25.
Perforation gauge: 14.
Period of sale: These stamps remained on sale until 4 May 2005.
Some of the images in this post were used with permission from the illustrated catalogue of StampsNZ
You can visit their website and Online Catalogue at, http://stampsnz.com/
Information & images for this post came from.
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