Creative ID: 647
Raumati south, Paraparaumu
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths):
I am a multi-medium artist. I have been involved in community art projects and have taught art in community settings. I work with hard and soft materials and enjoy combining mediums. I have been a finalist in the World of Wearable Arts for seven consecutive years, I am currently preparing for the Kapiti Arts Trail in which I have been a participant for twenty years. I have been involved in numerous art exhibitions, both locally and nationally, and have taught art in many different settings over the years. I have a home studio gallery that is open to the public during summer and by request at other times.
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 a a diploma in Visual Design from Whitirea Polytechnic in 2019/20. I participated in the first Kapiti Arts Trail in 2001. I was a World of Wearable Arts finalist from 2010 to 2018. I have exhibited in various art exhibitions around Kapiti and nationally including the Rotary Arts show and the Wellington Art Show. I taught art part time at a local wellbeing centre from 2006 to 2014. I teach various other classes in Kapiti and Wellington including stone carving. I created group work on a community mosaic seat in 2015 with funding from the district council. I work part time at a mental health centre with small groups on craft projects.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes:
I was employed at a local wellbeing drop-in centre where I worked with people of different ages who were suffering from mental health issues. While there I taught arts and crafts in many different mediums and worked on several group projects, including a large wall mural, mosaic seat, and group totem pole. I also facilitated three group art exhibitions there. In 2015 I worked with another local artist and created a mosaic seat – this was a community event with local people completing a small leaf and adding it to the seat, and it involved children and people of all ages. I have also facilitated stone carving classes at a local special education centre working with a small group of teenagers.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice:
I would like to be a part of the Creatives in Schools programme as I enjoy working with people and sharing my skills. I think the value of art for children is huge – being able to try different art forms at an early age can often develop into a life-long passion. I love seeing people interacting and working together on projects that will remain for many years. They can then return and reflect on their input and achievement.