Creative ID: 129
Christchurch City, New Brighton South, New Brighton North, New Brighton, Aranui, Parklands, Woolston.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am currently self-employed and create Sterling Silver jewellery combined with Pounamu/Jade and have my work represented at various galleries across New Zealand. I also teach stone sculpture and object art, jewellery making at a programme at a community college. I have been teaching for over 15 years and have worked with a large variety of people (for example, differently abled people, at Youth Prison, as well as men’s and women’s prison, and for Mental Health organisations). I am very passionate about creating a safe learning environment wherever I teach. I enjoy encouraging, supporting and challenging students to help reach their potential. My own art is exhibited nationwide, currently showing at a gallery in Auckland. You can also see my work at Instagram.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
I have been self-employed for 15 years making a living of my art. I have received an award for one of my Jade carving sculptures and this year my jewellery is chosen to be printed and published by a book company. I exhibit several times a year across New Zealand and have done so for 15 years.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I have worked extensively with all ages of children and youth. The youngest child I have successfully taught limestone sculpture was aged 5 years old. I am experienced in teaching: painting and drawing, limestone sculpture, spoon carving, silversmithing, and jewellery making. After the earthquakes I ran workshops at primary schools, deconstructing and constructing objects helped to make sense of what was happening with their homes and living situation.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I have seen how therapeutic the creative process can be many times over. The joy after accomplishing an artwork is truly empowering. It is my experience that if I am open to the ideas of young people often new discoveries are made which I always learn from as well. The creative spark is so apparent in children which often sparks off new inspiration in myself.