I am from —

I grew up in Kerikeri, later moving on to study and graduate from Elam school of fine arts. I was fortunate to spend a lot of my postgraduate years living abroad in the Netherlands and Australia.

I create —

With my photography I have always loved scenarios where the mundane world intersects with the extraordinary, continually working on the ability to touch both the head and the heart. It’s not easy, and I fail a lot, however, if I can leave the viewer with a sense of wonder and introspection then I’m really happy. My painting practice is similar, in a way they are much the same, you’re filling a frame with feeling and light, hoping for a response. The works are usually exploring a feeling of appreciation, balance, and the joy of being alive.

Every day I —

Plan for imperfections, try to be aware of what’s happening around me, listen to the signals, and remind myself that every day is important. 

I take care of myself by—

Keeping in touch with the people you love as much as possible, offering help where you can and not being too hard on yourself. You’re doing better than you think. It’s very easy to end up skimming and scrolling through social feeds and find peers making incredible work, work when presented perfectly, feels unattainable. It’s every creative’s kryptonite. 

I look forward to —

The 10am Kercha Saro filter coffee from Ozone with the homies in the office.

My favourite Abel scent —

That’s tough, I was a huge campaigner for Black Anise, however, I am going to have to say Green Cedar.  It evokes the feeling of a forest after a summer rain, leaves drenched, rich and rejuvenating.