Your occupation, job title, artistic discipline (or very brief description of what you do):

I am a videographer and photographer based in Mount Maunganui. I started my creative business Studio Muse about a year ago, after deciding to pursue videography full time, as I was doing it along side my master’s degree in coastal ecology at the University of Waikato. I primarily capture lifestyle and commercial content.

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in) beginning with the place of your birth?

I was born in Whananaki, a small coastal village on the east coast of Northland. Growing up on the beach, surrounded by nature, I was always inspired by the environment around me. My passion for the environment had me move to Hamilton, where I completed a science degree, majoring in ecology and biodiversity at the University of Waikato. I was lucky enough to complete my final year of study on the island of Oahu, Hawaii as part of the University of Waikato’s study abroad program. As a competitive surfer and SUP surfer, it was always my dream to study and surf in Hawaii, keeping up my training in warm water! I then moved to Mount Maunganui, where I completed by post-graduate diploma in coastal ecology and now have my videography business, Studio Muse.

What’s your favourite Bay of Plenty landscape, park, building, location, suburb, or side street? Why?

Being a surfer, the whole Mount coastline is my happy place. I am lucky enough to live a short walk from the beach. I mostly surf between Tay Street and Omanu so I would say that strip of coast is my favourite, but nothing beats a walk up or around the Mount at sunrise or sunset!

What’s an average day in your life at present?

I am a morning person, although it’s a bit hard to stay motivated during winter! I am super lucky to work for myself, on my own time, so my days differ depending on the day and how good the surf is! I usually get out for a beach walk and check the surf, then make a plan from there. If there are waves I like to get my training in on the water before I work! I usually get into work around 10 or 11am. My day depends on whether I am shooting for clients or editing from my office (Five Percent Brands) in Papamoa, so no day is ever the same really!

What music was present and still memorable from your youth/adolescence?

I grew up listening to my parents blasting music on road trips and around the house, so Kings of Leon, Pearl Jam and Jack Johnson are a few of my favourites.

If you went away from the Bay of Plenty for a long time and then came back, what are the first three things you would do or visit?

Probably grab a coffee and check the surf at Tay Street – I love the community vibe there. Head out for a surf or head up the Mount, for sure!

If you had to eat the same meal every day, what would it be?

Avocado and eggs on toast. Oh, and coffee, always coffee!

What are you planning for 2022/2023 that nobody knows about yet?

I have lots of plans and ideas in the mix for both my business and personal life. For Studio Muse, I would love to offer a more diverse range of content packages – focused more on social media marketing to keep up with the latest trends and online tools! I also have a few overseas trips planned toward the end of the year for my sport. I will be in Puerto Rico for the ISA World SUP Surfing Championships, so would love to capture some content there too!

In one sentence, can you define art?

To me, art is storytelling: sharing emotions and messages with others. That is always my aim with making videos and the idea behind the name of my business ‘Studio Muse’, capturing people’s muse/interests.

Where would you like to live, but have yet to?

I was lucky enough to study in Hawaii for 12 months, but would love to move back for a longer period of time if I could. I definitely think I am meant to live in the tropics!

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring creative person?

You will never be completely ‘ready’ to start or pursue your creative ambition, so just start! Start soon and adapt as you grow and learn! I was in no way ready or prepared, but I was forced to learn on-the-go once I threw myself into the creative scene, and just gave it a go! Better to do it and fail than regret not trying.

What’s the biggest problem about life in New Zealand? How you would solve it?

I do wish the country was a bit more connected, in that it’s a long drive to get to new places! A train system could be cool! I would love to travel more within New Zealand but the long drives do put me off at times!

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