Creative ID: 14
Ideally in Gisborne but would consider travelling nationwide.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am a graduate of Toihoukura, specialising in Printmaking and Painting. My own work uses found objects which I print around a tikanga Māori focus. I utilise my knowledge from Toihoukura and my time within the Mahi A Atua Wānanga with Mark and Dr Dianne Kopua to use art as a way of expressing our environment and ourselves. I have a varied range of art practice, printmaking, painting, filmmaking, fashion design and fabrication, basic weaving and I make contemporary taonga.
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
As a graduate of Toihoukura I have a Bachelor's degree in Contemporary Māori Visual Art. As students we learnt a great range of skills from practical knowledge to exhibition planning and delivery. I have a varied range of skills and a great passion for art especially for sharing my knowledge with the next generation.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I have previously worked for a company in Auckland utilising my experience as a ceramicist to teach a class in ceramic painting to adult beginners. I have delivered a day class in tikanga around raranga to a group of children and most recently I am to run a printmaking programme through the YMCA school holiday programme. On a more personal level I am the mother of five children ranging in age from 22 to 11, art has always been a part of my parenting and I recognise the opportunity for expression and growth it brings children.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I feel so fortunate to have learnt from some of the best Māori Artists and Academics in the country. Contemporary Māori art is my passion, and through the Mahi A Atua Wānanga I learnt the great potential for healing through Pūrākau and art practice, my desire is to share my knowledge with the next generation with the hope that it inspires children to believe that art can be a different pathway to pursue, and can bring great joy.