Creative ID: 771
Christchurch
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am an artist, writer and researcher based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. I hold a PhD in practice-led visual arts from Auckland University of Technology (2022). I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Canterbury (2002) and an Honours (First-class) in Visual Arts from AUT University (2015). My PhD project explored archives and their construction of art-historical narratives. My practice and outputs are often collaborative and I work alongside both historic and current artists. In creating narratives that might or might not have existed – encompassing artists, groups, movements, and exhibitions – my research practice deliberates on the role of fiction in both the collection and interpretation of material histories.
I critique traditionally held divides between art historical scholarship and artistic fabrication. Through the use of invented personae, artworks and exhibitions, I trace alternative histories of modernism in New Zealand. My installations combine mixed media fabrications, often textile and ceramic making with historical materials from art and design archives. I also produces sound and text works within these installations. My earlier collaborative work has seen me participate in exhibitions and residencies both nationally and internationally.
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 staged a number of significant exhibition projects throughout Aotearoa, including my final PhD exhibition in 2022 and other key exhibitions. I was awarded an AUT University Vice-Chancellor’s Doctoral Scholarship and won the Glaister Ennor Graduate Art Award. Recently my work was part of a group exhibition at Pah Homestead and I presented work at the 2023 Aotearoa Art Fair. I have also staged a number of exhibitions in dealer galleries.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I have had experience working with pre-school tamariki through my participation and involvement with Playcentre and courses through them. I was involved setting up and facilitating creative and art experiences for tamariki. I am leading a mural project which involves working with both children and teachers. This is a voluntary project and I am working alongside two other artists. I have had experience teaching teenage children in Japan. I taught English in both group classroom and small group settings.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
"It must be here, real and now to have meaning to a child. There should be less standardisation and mechanisation in the making of people." Elwyn Richardson I am passionate about increasing creative experiences for children in our education system. I want them to have access to artists who can share ideas and processes. I also believe this programme is very positive because the teachers can view the programme and learn from it, and deliver it themselves if they wish to.