Creative ID: 789
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I am a professional freelance artist with a focus on community mural projects; this includes working with council groups, businesses, schools etc. I have a proven track record for exterior and interior mural projects tracking back to 2015. I have a studio practice also, working on private commission works and working towards exhibitions. My artwork is heavily influenced by New Zealand landscapes, wildlife and history. I am able to create visuals/designs based on client briefs, often elaborating on a starting idea to come up with a final product. Examples of my work can be found online (link 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
I have painted many murals throughout New Zealand for various council groups, businesses, organisations and schools. I have participated in the Creatives in Schools programme in 2021 in Te Puke, and completed creative projects at a local school. Over the years I have achieved multiple awards nationally and internationally for my mural practice and awards for studio practice:
ACOMPLISHMENTS
2023 Blind Low Vision, Paws for Purpose fundraiser artist
2023 Red Bull Doodle finalist NZ
2022 South Sea Spray Waihōpai/Invercargill Street art Festival
2022 2-Dimensional Merit Award, Wanaka Art Exhibition
2022 Peoples Choice Award, New Zealand Mural Fest
2021 South Sea Spray Bluff, Street art Festival
2020 Street Prints Mauao, Street art Festival
2019 Finalist for the New Zealand Mural Fest
2019 First Place Winner of the Sheffield Mural Fest
2018 Big Hoot Kids Can Fundraiser Artist
2017 Miles Art Award Finalist
2017 Rotorua Mural Symposium Finalist
2017 Peoples Choice Award New Zealand Mural Fest
2015 Adam Portraiture Award Finalist
2015 Supreme Award and Peoples Choice Award New Zealand Mural Festival
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I have worked with a local intermediate in Creatives in Schools. The students and I designed, planned and created a large scale mural on the entrance of their kura. The students were involved in the entire creative process so they had an understanding on the start to finished processes involved. From brainstorming, through to painting, discussing ideas and giving the students a sense of ownership of the works we collaborated on. This was with a mixture of age groups, mainly early teens. The themes incorporated and discussed were of identity, place, and local visual storytelling. The entire process was collaborative and students were engaged throughout the process so as to feel a connection with the final artwork.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
Opportunities for students – exposure to a professional artist, proving there is opportunity for career paths in creative sectors. With involvement in the entire process from start to finish, they will learn about design, brainstorming, following briefs and creating a visual outcome. Assisting with knowledge on the creative process may assist students with their art practice, and encourage them to pursue careers in creative industries.