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Creative ID: 371

Art form(s): Community arts, Crafts/objects, Pacific arts, Visual arts
Language(s): Chinese, English, Japanese, Māori, Samoan, Spanish, Tongan
Based in: Auckland
Where I'm available:
Auckland
West Auckland, Tamaki Makaurau
When I'm available: I'm available from Monday to Wednesday 10am to 2pm. (3x days for 4x hours per day) Rest of the week I have other commitments.

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

Kia ora koutou, my background is within education, media and entertainment spanning 20 years. Since 2010, I have come back towards showcasing my love of Pasifika arts including weaving, visual arts and sharing our taonga aka treasures of my Māori/Pasifika heritage. I have been blessed to showcase some of my workshops within such artforms over the years to both intimate, and large groups up to 700+.

I am currently planning a nationwide tour in the North and South Islands for the end of 2020 (to be confirmed), yet saw this opportunity to support local schools understand our diverse culture and heritage. In particular, to support schools who may not see much of their own heritage through the arts, or any school that may wish to extend their knowledge of this type (but not limited) artform of weaving through both traditional and modern styles of Fala Pati Pasifika. I use traditional materials of plants and harakeke, as well as modern fabrics obtaining diverse styles of weaving eg: woollen embroidery mats or Fala lilii. These come from the traditional weaving artforms of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and other known islands that still continue this practice. I also do Ula leis (weaving of ribbon necklaces for gifts).

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

Since 2010 my love for art was grown by supporting my students as an educator within both the ECE (early childhood education) and secondary school sectors. This proved my own learning in showcasing the unique and diverse ways in using Pasifika visual artforms to support children’s learning, regardless of their ages. Over the years till now, I have been asked to share my own experiences and expertise towards diverse groups apart from the norm of Māori and Pasifika. I have been sharing my artform for other diverse communities here in Aotearoa. My love for the arts has never faltered, just enhanced over the years.

From my peers in the community, to corporate and beyond, there is always an interest towards art itself, depending on what people are wanting to learn. I have been very blessed that there are many who wish to continue doing such intricate visual art, as well as showcasing this towards many generations both young and young at heart. My peers in the art sector here and beyond can also vouch for my love of the arts, my culture and heritage and giving back to my community as I am very proud and humbled to be still doing what I love.

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

As mentioned I have a background in education, so being patient and also mindful of the diverse age groups I have been in contact with has prepared me towards showing such artforms like harakeke weaving, woollen embroidery mat making or Fala Pati Pasefika (similar to patchwork and sewing). I have been quite fortunate to have a background in teaching and educating, as this has helped me to grasp and introduce such learning experiences within any age I may encounter that wishes to learn such artforms.

2019 saw me showcase my love for the arts and share my knowledge and cultural heritage as a teacher aide at a local school. I shared my heritage of Pasifika arts via Fala Pati Pasefika and small workshop classes of Harakeke at this school and doing free workshops for my local library. I have worked from as young as 5 years old to mature folk up to 90; to me age is no barrier. Arts is for whomever wishes to learn, learning art is ageless. I can understand why artists like myself always go back to what we love doing - art!! This expresses my love of being creative, yet allows others who haven't experienced this have the opportunity to showcase their artistic side, and what better way to support them than by having such opportunities like workshops at their school, involving students, the staff, even their families and communities - the social unit!!

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

As an educator, I do have connections with some of my local schools. I also have great contacts that can support such talents like myself in schools to drive this 'Creatives in Schools’ programme. I feel it's only fair for those who have a diverse background in visual arts to share from what we have experienced to grow the interests of those who wish to learn many diverse artforms.

I believe that being involved in such programmes as this will not only support and continue my unique diverse artform and practice, it can also support upcoming students, youths as well as the community, who do come onboard. They can gain a better understanding that art itself should be celebrated and is not limited to the classroom or a gallery; it's a lifestyle to look after and cherish dearly. I hope I am considered in sharing my love of the arts, as well as my unique artform of Fala Pati Pasefika (woollen embroidery fine mats), ribbon necklace weaving, and other unique styles of art to share to the next generation of keen learners and those in their community as well. Thanks again for viewing my interests. Blessings.

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