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

I am an emerging visual artist predominantly creating mixed media and acrylic works.

I also work full time in the community, for an Aotearoa-wide not-for-profit. A big part of my current community role is to provide information, advice and support to individuals who’ve experienced stroke and their whānau/carers.

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

I grew up in Holmfirth, a small town in Yorkshire, U.K. It’s famous for the Last of the Summer Wine sitcom.

I spent a year commuting to Leeds College of Art to complete my BA in Art and Design, then headed to university in Nottingham for three years to do a BA Hons in Decorative Arts. After graduating, I returned to my hometown for a year and a half to save up to see the world.

I ended up flying to Aotearoa, “wwoofing” and working around the country, before basing myself in Mount Maunganui. The plan was to stay for a year; over seven years on, I’m still here and live in Pāpāmoa with my partner and our dog.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing? The ones that told you about the world? 

Growing up, there was (and still is) a yearly folk festival in my local village. The songs, poetry, dance and costumes were all based around ancient folk tales.

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

I would probably say Raparapahoe Falls. It’s magical!

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

I’m definitely a morning person, so I wake up at around 5:30 a.m. and usually start the day with throwing on some clothes and taking my dog Sally for a walk with my partner. Then I’ll get home, have a slow-ish breakfast and get to work for 7:30 a.m. I fit my creativity in whenever I can at the weekends and on evenings. I am so lucky to have an inspiring studio space attached to my home. It makes it super easy for me to do even half an hour here and there.

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

I’ve always loved the Gorillaz and I think it stemmed from singing along to the Clint Eastwood song when it came on the radio: “Sunshine in a bag…”

One of my earliest music related memories was singing Spice Girls in the school yard and always wanting to be Sporty Spice, but always being made to be Ginger, haha.

And there was Mr Blobby… Anyone who was a kid in the 90s in the UK will know who the absolutely terrifying (in hindsight) dancing and excitable pink blob with yellow spots and massive eyes was! I think his single/theme tune got to number one in the U.K. charts. I saw him live and would always watch his TV show. He would also randomly turn up on the six o’clock news and other TV programs!

For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers? 

This is a really tricky one for me!

Grayson Perry – especially his storytelling ceramics.

Optical artist, Victor Vasarely and his concept of ‘art for all’.

Comedian Katherine Ryan – I sometimes listen to her podcast whilst painting and just love her dry, witty humour and how she is unapologetically herself.

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? 

I would probably head to Little Waihī for a coastal walk, then go to the Maketū Beachside Restaurant & Cafe and sit outside, looking over the ocean with a tea and my sketchbook. Then I’d finish the day off with a dip in the ocean – probably near my home in Pāpāmoa.

Looking back at your teen-age self: what one sentence describes that person?

Awkward and lacking in confidence.

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

A halloumi kebab with garlic yoghurt, hummus and hot chilli sauce (the perfect sauce trio). I have to say Kebab Istanblue in Mount Maunganui never lets me down with this.

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

Well, I am currently growing a baby, due in late April – so a lot of change/adjusting on the horizon!

I am determined to be able to keep ticking away with my art and aim to update my website with all the work I created in 2022, and explore print options.

I recently co-facilitated a series of creative workshops for stroke survivors in the Bay, funded by the Creative Communities Scheme. I’d like to look into other accessible workshop ideas.

In one sentence, can you define art?

For me, it’s a tool for expression and mindfulness.

What is missing or lacking from your Bay of Plenty community or environment?

A specialised art supply store would be great!

Name a few films that you consider profound, moving or extraordinary? 

Any Wes Anderson movie!

What was your first real job, second, third?

I worked in hospo since the age of 14 on and off alongside study and travel. I also worked in various community arts projects in the U.K. and Aotearoa. And now I work for a not-for-profit, alongside my art.

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

I wouldn’t say there’s anywhere else I’m set on living yet. I love to travel and visit new places and if the right place came up I think I’d know!

Before COVID hit, me and my partner had just bought a car and ferry tickets with the plan of spending a few months exploring and house sitting in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar – I’d like to do that one day!

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

Just to go with the flow and trust yourself.

Create, firstly, for yourself. It’s impossible to make art that everyone’s going to like. I make art as the process of creating makes me feel good. If people like it, it’s a bonus.

What is your dream of happiness? 

I feel very happy and lucky with the life I’m able to lead now!

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