Creative ID: 232
I am based in Timaru and have my own transport. I am open to going further afield.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
For the past five years, I have been making gold and silver jewellery, however in between and over many years, I have worked with many groups using a variety of skills. I believe my strength lies in my breadth of skills:
- drawing, painting, and graphic design
- print making
- sewing and pattern making (costume design)
- carving and sculpting in various mediums
- mould-making
- upholstery
- multimedia construction
- computer illustration and cad.
Working on the design process, research and material manipulation are all equally important to me. I am always up for a challenge and like to push myself and whoever I am working with.
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
- BA in crafts from Manchester University.
- Teacher's certificate in adult education.
- Worked in a primary school for 14 years working with ORS children and running gifted and talented projects, in various subjects including art, science and maths.
- Worked making resources for the Ministry of Education.
- Ran a Girl Guide unit for two years.
- Worked promoting the Hat and Hair Art awards Timaru, running workshops with adults and children.
- Made many costumes and props for various shows.
- Have done talks on my work to various groups.
- Have won various competitions including the Hat and Hair Art awards (many times) and The World of Wearable Arts (four awards and a commission for tourism NZ).
- Won the sculpture award at the South Canterbury Arts show.
- Had a solo art show at York Street Gallery.
- Had my work displayed around the world, including at the America’s cup twice.
- Have been on TV talking about my work.
- Have had my work in many publications, on TV and on promotional goods.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
- Worked in a primary school for 14 years working with ORS children and running gifted and talented projects, in various subjects including art, science and maths.
- Ran a Girl Guide unit for two years.
- Worked promoting the Hat and Hair Art awards Timaru, running workshops with adults and children.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I have enjoyed my experiences working in schools and the community and am always looking for new opportunities. I love the involvement of working with people, sharing my knowledge and skills and creating amazing things together. As you can see my creative practice is so varied it would be difficult to pin it down to one area. One option could be that I am used by a teacher to help further a project that might be already going on in a school, or talk out various options that might be suitable for a particular group of children. I am self-motivated, good at looking at situations and coming up with innovative ideas.