Creative ID: 764
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am a muralist, with experience on a range of surfaces and paintings that range in sizes. I can come up with designs, develop those design ideas in accordance with a specific brief/theme, and execute the design with accuracy. I predominately use acrylic paint, and am branching into learning how to incorporate spray paint now as well. My Book an Artist profile, which shows past projects is available on request.
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
My first mural was completed in 2017 at a New Zealand School of Ballet where I grew up learning to dance. Upon completion I got great reviews. It inspires the younger generation of dancers when they go into the studio. My second mural was completed in 2022. The design was picked out of many entrants in the Keep NZ Beautiful scheme that partners with Resene. Ten artists across New Zealand get to complete their murals every year. The environmental message in my design is portrayed clearly and I have had a lot of praise about it since completion as it stands out on the main road in a local town. Another mural completed in 2023 was on a community Chorus internet box. Again my design was picked to go forward, and of the finished piece it was said it "is in harmony with its environment and creates a stunning marker for the entrance to this town’s green space".
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
- While still living in my home town I reached out to the local Arts Village, and volunteered to help with their school holiday programmes. I worked with children aged 7 to 14 to facilitate the teacher with tasks such as setting up, getting the children ready and settled, painting, making and general artistic expression, and then packing up.
- I was a nanny for one year looking after three children aged 3 to 7. Kids have a natural tendency to want to get stuck into anything creative, therefore I especially enjoyed my time with these children when I helped them make art. Particular activities included paintings on paper, teaching how to draw and crafts such as dreamcatcher/animal puppet making.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I understand first-hand the importance of art, and how it can positively impact lives by inspiring and bringing people together. Thinking back to my time in the education system, if I had had the exposure of what this programme offers I would've enjoyed a richer experience and stepped into my calling a lot sooner I believe. The opportunity to share what I have learnt so far creating large-scale paintings excites me, as so far my practice is based solely off my own ideas. Collaboration processes open up many avenues for new messages and ideas to be heard and expressed.