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Creative ID: 121

Art form(s): Community arts, Crafts/objects, Literature, Multi-disciplinary, Visual arts
Language(s): English
Based in: Wellington
Where I'm available:
Wellington
Wellington and the greater Wellington region. However if budget allows I am also able to travel out of town to any school.
When I'm available: Available for all dates and times.

My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)

I'm an author, illustrator, World of WearableArt finalist designer and costume and props maker. I run workshops for kids in all three areas but my chief passion is hands-on wearable art, guiding a group of students through concept, design and making, through to finishing and showcasing the garment. Wearable art is all about story, not fashion. A WOW creation involves all the key curriculum learning objectives: thinking, using language, symbols, and texts, managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing. Students can learn a huge amount about creative thinking, planning, construction, and sustainability through exploring a Wearable art concept. I particularly like using recyclables with students, and extending their thought processes around using new technology to create their concepts.

My track record of experience and success

I am a published author and illustrator of 55 books, and have won major awards in children’s book writing and illustration. I'm also a veteran of Wearable Arts; a finalist and multi-award winner over 24 years with 26 entries in show. My work has been exhibited many times in Nelson’s World of WearableArt Museum and internationally. I have also worked with Weta Workshop, Stone Street Studios, Pukeko Pictures, and The Production Shed as a film costumier, puppet maker, illustrator, and craft specialist. I’m a previously long-standing presenter of arts and crafts on several New Zealand TV shows.

In 2019, I was the recipient of a prestigious Arts Fellowship: a children's book writer in residence for 6 months.

Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes

I work with children regularly though public art, festivals, and schools, running workshops for groups up to 200 students. My work with Read NZ takes me to schools of all deciles throughout the country, including special communities projects and working with students from a school facility. I devised and facilitate ongoing ‘Draw Like an Artist’ holiday camps across Aotearoa.

Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice

I've been working with children, writing, illustrating, and creating for children all my creative career. I understand the abilities and challenges of different age groups and how their practice can be extended through working with a specialist in the arts. Kids, particularly 8–12 year olds, are the target audience for the mahi I create in the publishing arena. Working with students feeds my practice and understanding of their needs and concerns which in turn extends my written dialogue. And, as I pass on the skills I have learnt over 40 years in the arts, I help to nurture a new generation of creative thinkers. Working with students and teachers is something I am deeply familiar with and enjoy hugely.

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