Creative ID: 229
Gisborne
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts specialising in Painting. My current focus within my art practice is on portraiture, using pencil and charcoal on paper to create realist depictions of hip hop artists that evoke a strong sense of emotion in the viewer. My other focus is using oil paints to create large portraits of famous musicians using a pixel effect and strong black backgrounds to comment on the musician's complex relationship with a digital existence. In each artwork I employ visual methods to create a strong connection and emotion between the musician and the viewer. I have also done a series of landscape paintings, using a pull between what is seen and unseen to evoke a response in the viewer. I am passionate about Māori and Pasifika cultures and this is an area that I want to explore more in my artworks. I am a registered Bilingual Te Reo Māori Primary School teacher as well as an artist.
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
Awards:
- Top in Subject NCEA Level 3 Painting
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- New Zealand Emerging Artist Award 2015
- Have exhibited in several galleries in Christchurch and one in Wellington
- New Zealand Art Show.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I am a registered Bilingual Te Reo Māori Primary School teacher. This year (2019) I am teaching year 1-8, mostly the tuākana (year 4-8). The two years prior to that I taught in year 7/8. I have used a lot of strategies to incorporate art into different teaching contexts/subjects. I have also led art groups for teenagers/young adults. I have a passion for Māori and Pasifika cultures and communities, and have worked with children to create artworks based around their pepeha and whakapapa, manaia, kāwhaiwhai, siapo, and much more.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
As a registered teacher I am passionate about helping tamariki to grow and succeed and I believe that enjoying their learning is so important to this! As an artist I am passionate about ngā toi and believe that creativity is so important to everyone, especially our tamariki! The Creatives in Schools Programme will help me to blend these passions to be able to make a real difference in the lives and engagement of our tamariki.