Art & Design

Lisa Te Whare - Diploma in Art & Design (Advanced) Level 7

Blaring from the upstairs studio at Waiariki’s art department is Dean Martin’s soothing singing, Maria Callas classical opera, Metallica and Che Fu all in the same afternoon – it’s a clue that there is an artist at work.

“Although getting some strange looks at times, it does help to expand the mind!” says Lisa Te Whare who fi rst enrolled with Waiariki in 1994, completing her Certificate in Art & Craft Design Maori.

She re-located, worked in the corporate environment and raised a family. In 2009, Lisa went back to Waiariki revisiting interests and areas of strengths in the Diploma in Art and Design (Advanced), and stretching new boundaries.

Lisa says her decision to re-enrol with Waiariki was first of all because of the location, being here, in Rotorua. Secondly, Waiariki’s reputation and relationships, Lisa says “to have Maori perspectives are comforting, and the calibre of the teaching staff here is exceptional.”

And thirdly, the eventual pathway to the Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in Auckland, which is a personal goal of Lisa’s.

Lisa has set aside three years to study, with a goal to achieve the Diploma in Art & Design Level 7 this year, and then pathway into the Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in 2010. Lisa adds “my goal is to expand on my skill base, meet more people and be ready and open to new opportunities that come my way.”

Karen Barker - Diploma in Art & Design Level 6

Art and health can be complimentary as art student and one-time pharmacist Karen Barker can testify.

Karen began painting in her spare time and undertaking various workshops offered at RAVE to learn new skills. She participated in local exhibitions, selling her works but felt she needed to explore her painting practice further. Eventually she stopped working as a pharmacist and enrolled with Waiariki.

The need to widen her knowledge of art and general art practice made her decision and easy one. Karen felt the exposure to new mediums would be beneficial and the opportunity to work with experienced tutors, valuable.

“I have gathered valuable knowledge and experiences throughout my two years at Waiariki. The encouraging and supportive learning environment has enabled me to grow as an artist and a person. I also have memories of all the inspirational artists we have met, and the field trips we have taken part in such as the sculpture festival in Devonport, have been amazing!”

“I have gained skill sets in various media and an in-depth knowledge of the art world, and my place in it. I feel this will benefit my own art practice in both directions as well as day to day art making. I will continue to paint and exhibit and eventually work towards the use of art in a therapeutic setting, or possibly a teaching environment”, Karen adds.

Paul Bottomley - Diploma in Art & Design Level 5

Paul Bottomley left Western Heights High School in 1999, with a 90% pass in School Certificate Art.

He ventured into the workforce, and was employed in various industries from horticulture to engineering. Unfortunately Paul was made redundant, not once, but three times. It was then that he decided to follow his dream of art and to give it a go “once and for all.”

He decided to enrol with Waiariki as it was the closest place to him offering a degree in fine arts. He also has a six-year old son, so it made sense to stay within the Rotorua region.

Paul enrolled in the Diploma in Art & Design Level 6 at the start of 2009.

Paul’s most enjoyable moments at Mokoia Campus so far have been working alongside the staff as well as receiving personal guidance from art and design tutor, Jane Matua.

“She has been an inspiration to me because she is passionate about clay, just the same as I” says Paul, “and this year was really exciting, learning all about wild clay and going out and collecting it for myself. Jane really opened my eyes to this unique resource and has motivated me to do more with clay.”

Paul has his own personal website www.globalart.co.nz where people can view his work.