Creative ID: 363
I am currently based in Southland. I will be moving to Northland and available in Northland.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
My artwork is based upon photography; however, it seeks to explore the space between photography and painting, using digital processes I have developed myself. I also work with words and look for ways to marry the two, along with incorporating a Māori world view, and perspective on the relationship between Tangata and Whenua
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 a fulltime artist since 2006, holding numerous exhibitions, publishing several books, and writing as a photographic thought leader for online publications. I have been the Maniototo Artist-in-Residence. My work is held in collections around Aotearoa and the world. I am currently represented by a gallery in Auckland.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I spent 30 years as a practising secondary teacher, initially teaching foreign languages and English, then later in my career, Art and Computing. As part of that, I worked on secondment to the National College of Design and Technology (NatColl), a PEP, designing a programme, which I successfully integrated into a high school’s curriculum, achieving pass rates of between 90-100% in Level 2 and 3 in the years I taught it.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I would love to be able to work with young people again, helping them to find their individual artistic voices, and also realising that they do have one. I am particularly passionate about helping them to become aware of their own cultural taonga, along with gaining a greater understanding of the wider art world, and of Ngā Toi Māori. It also gives me an opportunity to give back to the community. Being able to see the world through their lenses also gives me an opportunity to reflect upon my own practice and its relevance to the community.