FRANKIE NICOLA ROUSE

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...


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

I was born in Coventry, England but have lived in Wellington most of life.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

The earliest stories I remember hearing are from my father who use to tell me that if I ate the pips in my water melon I would grow water melons out of my ears and that I should eat my bread crusts because it will put hairs on my chest. Ironically I am girl and I still can not see why he though this would encourage me to eat my crusts.

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

Embarrassingly I was brought up during the MC Hammer, Tiffany and Kylie Monogue era. I am not sure if I want to remember this stage in my life.

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

I am really influenced by what I see around me. Particularly, other individuals/artists that have interesting and original ideas. You can really learn a lot by associating yourself with others.

What is your dream of happiness?

Contentment.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

There are so many important people in history where do you start….?

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

In the Name of the Father
Shawshank Redemption
The Green Mile

All of which are a bit morbid I know, however they are really moving.

What was your first real job? second? third?

An usher at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.
Spent many years working in retail while studying.
Also worked for a Wellington based Design company while studying doing various odd jobs.

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

Egg’s Benedict with Salmon – Yum Yum Yum.

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

The Harry Potter Series – J K Rowling
Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt
Solomon’s Song (The sequel to The Potato Family) – Bryce Courtney
Jessica – Bryce Courtney

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

I can’t really think of anything!!!

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

The Beat Girls at the Botanical Gardens in Wellington during the Summer Festival. That was heaps of fun.

In one sentence, can you define art?

No.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Stick with it and stay true to yourself and what you want to achieve with your work.

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

I really like it here in Wellington the Creative Capital. Although I would like to retire in Martinbough (so I can be close to the Vineyards - Yum Yum Yum).

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Travel the world. There are many places I would like to visit such as Greece, Italy and France to name a few.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

I am currently working on several projects at the moment but generally these projects fall into two categories. Firstly, Art-based photographic works combining photography with other media and secondly, research-based photography exploring creativity and the creative process photographically.

What one question would you add to this Query?

None. This was fun.



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Frankie Nicola Rouse – MDes, BDes (1st Class Hons) Photography, Cert VCD

Frankie Rouse studied Photography and Design at Massey University in Wellington where she developed a particular interest in combining still photography with sound. Her undergraduate research sparked an everlasting interest in the study of creativity and the creative process. For examples of this work: http://www.originonline.co.nz/originart/frankie_rouse/

This interest then stemmed further into her Masters degree which she has recently completed. In addition to this Frankie has been experimenting with combining photographic images with other art-based media.

Memoir is the most recent example of this work. This series of work depicts early colonisation in the form of pages from a fictional travel journal. Historical family photographs and travel documents from the late 1800’s are ‘fused’ with found objects to create a personal impression of a memoir of time, but with a contemporary twist.

MARK O’BRIEN

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...


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

Dunedin, Tauranga, Paraparaumu, Hamilton, Rotorua, Nuku'alofa, Auckland

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

Sunday morning radio children's stories....sparky the train, et al

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

Early 80's ....Talking Heads, Joy Division, Cure

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

Picasso , Ralph Steadman, Asterix the Gaul

What is your dream of happiness?

Living on the beach drawing cartoons

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Leonardo Da Vinci, Hunter S Thompson

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Team America World Police, Cherry 2000, The Life of Brian

What was your first real job? second? third?

Economist, Promotions Manager, Cartoonist

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

Curry

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

Majic (the one about the puppet), Adrift (a guy who survived in a liferaft for six months)

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Having a 8 x 2m mural painted live at a conference destroyed by cleaners overnight, and having to paint another one to send to the delegate who'd bid thousands for it at the evening's charity auction.....

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

New Year's Eve gig at the Hilton in Auckland

In one sentence, can you define art?

Distilled imagination

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Marry a rich woman!

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

Samoa

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Kitesurfing

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

Trip to Valencia to suss out somewhere to stay during the next America's Cup

What one question would you add to this Query?

How much difference has technology made to your creative pursuits?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I've been drawing cartoons since shortly after I was born in Dunedin in 1961. I drew my way through school, creating the MONSTA cartoon character at high school.

JOSEPH STUART

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...

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

Richmond / Wakefield (Nelson,) Christchurch, Charleston (West Coast SI), Wellington

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

Stories of my grandfather growing up on the West coast of the South Island

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

Van Halen, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), Bread, Dire Straits

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

Len Lye, Da Vinci, Matisse

What is your dream of happiness?

Personal freedom and equality enjoyed with family and friends in an environment of stimulation and continued learning

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Walt Disney, Michelangelo, Churchill, Cleopatra

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

The Empire Strikes Back, Metropolis, Hollywood Confidential

What was your first real job? second? third?

My current role as Business Development Manager. I’ve also moonlighted as fruit picker, freezing worker, builders labourer, factory worker, Projectionist, TAB Manager, Marketing Advisor / Manager, General Manager, Producer

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

Fillet Steak, medium rare

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

The Vintners Luck, Catch 22, Asimov’s Foundation series

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Not capitalising on an opportunity when it presented itself because of a lack of confidence. It’s a demon that needs to be beaten every day!

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

Big River, Downstage

In one sentence, can you define art?

Activities and output that induce aesthetic reaction!

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Look for beauty in a form, and produce plenty!

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

An island with an average temperature of 20 + degrees

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Live self-sustaining on an island

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

To provide a platform and mechanism for creative people to do what they want to do!

What one question would you add to this Query?

What is the major barrier you see limiting your artistic career?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

PAUL FORREST

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...

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

Born in Whakatane in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Lovely name. Short time in Auckland in the mid-teens before landing in Wellington at 17. Fell instantly in love with Wellington and it has been my home since then. Travelling has been rich for me and I always I'm pleased I have Wellington to come back to. I have lived in London and travelled extensively around the world from my early twenties including a few months in Cusco,Peru where I taught massage and experienced latin love. Helped smuggle her out to better life in the Carribean.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

One of my earliest stories I remember hearing is 'Little Toot' on the radio.He was a brave tugboat.

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

Grew up with Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline through my mum, "It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie polka dot bikini"(can't remember who sang it). My Dad introduced me to appreciating classical at an early stage. In my teens it was early Split Enz, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and an appreciation for the Blues from my mum.

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

J.M.W. Turner, Wassily Kandinsky, and Wellington's Rob Mcleod.

What is your dream of happiness?

My dream of happiness is living the life I do right now and having more money to take a tropical holiday or two.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Favourite figures in history. Hmmmmmm.... Too many to name. All artists who have pushed the boundries and the many great people who have advanced our awareness of this world.

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Andre Robelov by Tarkofsky, Santa Sangre by Jadowowsky, Matador by by Pedro Almodovar

What was your first real job? second? third?

Working in a bank for 4 and a half years.
Selling puppets in the streets of London
Self employed massage therapist and artist.

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

Kingfish steaks cooked to perfection with yummy red potatoes and a delicious salad.

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

The Sparrow by Maria doria Russell- a two book series with believable futuristic experiences.
Perfume by Patrick Suskend
The Vampire Lestat by Ann Rice

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Destroying artwork of mine that I miss. Not too often fortunately.

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

Most recent live performance was 'Caligula' in Auckland.

In one sentence, can you define art?

Art is bringing the creative seed to fruition.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

When possible use good materials and constantly push through your creative boundries. Let go of the fear and go for it because in reality as an artist you can do anything that you want as nobody can really tell you what to do or not. Complete freedom to transform at your will.

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

Where would I like to live? On the coast in Greece or thereabouts.

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Like to do? other than jump out of a parachute, go ballooning, I think travel more to see artwork around the world.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

I have purchased the Oak panels of a pulpit from an old church. I intend to turn them into beautiful iconographic works of art.

What one question would you add to this Query?

Question to add to survey: Do you think you are a successful artist and what would you change to believe you are?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Paul Forrest, New Zealand Contemporary Oil Painter. I am 41 years old and have been a professional artist in Wellington, New Zealand for 16 years with 13 solo and 9 group exhibitions. I have 160 artworks held in collections in New Zealand, Germany, The United States, The Netherlands and England.

I have had no formal training and I am a self-representing and passionate Artist. It is commonly said that my work is spiritually sensual and that thread runs through all the subjects I have explored over the years. My work is a constant challenging of myself in how I view the world .

Currently I live in the heart of Newtown in the former premises of performance venue The Space, where I have a large studio surrounded by a series of paintings in which I am creating a visual dance of human and abstract forms within the landscape. I have always had a fascination with colour and that is the driving force in all my artwork.

I balance my artistic practice by also working as a massage therapist at a health center.

MEL HAMILTON

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...


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

Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Rangiora, Wellington, Auckland, Iowa

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

Bible stories and Dr Seuss.

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

David Bowie, Kiss.

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

Shona Dunlop McTavish (NZ dancer), Andy Kaufman (US song and dance man), Edward W. Said (American Palestinian)

What is your dream of happiness?

Working doing what I love, being able to travel, always meeting new people.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Michael King, Isadora Duncan, Suzanne Aubert, Jesus Christ, Poul Gnatt.

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Punitive Damage, Gaylene Preston; Festen, Thomas Vinterberg;Rabbit Proof Fence, Philip Noyce.

What was your first real job? second? third?

Dancer, Producer, Performer, Writer. The rest weren't real.

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

Tomatoes and avocados.

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

Pieces of Music & The Blind Impress, Michael Jackson (the NZ-born one); The Bone People, Keri Hulme; Long Walk To Freedom, Nelson Mandela; One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Out of Place by Edward W. Said.

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Endless surveys and coloured brochures on the state of New Zealand art.

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

Box, at the White Room, Lukes Lane, Wgtn.

In one sentence, can you define art?

No.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Do whatever you want.

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

Germany / Belgium / South America.

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Sing onstage.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

A travelling outdoor show - a gigantic mix of theatre, amateur dramatics, circus, carnival, dance, music and song. Destined to premiere later in the year.

What one question would you add to this Query?

Have you travelled much?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Melanie Hamilton is Artistic Producer of Barbarian Productions, a theatre company founded by Jo Randerson. She is also a performer and writer, and graduate of NZ School of Dance.

CERIDWYN ROBERTS

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...

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

Old Coulsdon, Sutton, Surrey, UK
Colwyn Bay, Clywd, North Wales
Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt
Naenae, Lower Hutt
Wellington
London, UK
Wellington

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

AA Milne's poems and stories. Go Piglet!

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

New Wave/Wussy-Girly-Lolly 80s Music - Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Bangles

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

Robert LePage, Joan Nestle, Steven Soderburgh

What is your dream of happiness?

A professional storytelling group of circus performing drag kings with enough funding to be professional and tour the world

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

St Joan, Aphra Behn, Michaelangelo

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Beautiful Thing, Out Of Sight, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

What was your first real job? second? third?

TeaLady & Assistant for Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences
Communications Assistant for Toyota NZ
National Spokesperson for Rape Crisis

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

Rare Lamb done Cambodian style (oh Ankor how we miss thee!), Mediterranean Couscous and Baby Spinach & Blue Cheese Salad

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay - Michael Chabon
Home Truths - Sara Maitland
Venetia - Georgette Heyer

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Not running away with Circus Oz when I was 18

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

Snapshot - at Te Whaea

In one sentence, can you define art?

The expression of all potentialities through beauty and innovation

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Learn to market yourself!

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

Vancouver

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Direct a film

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

A roaming vaudeville company creating site specific sleazy cabaret
What one question would you add to this Query?


BIOGRAPHICL SKETCH

Ceridwyn Roberts vacillates between vaudeville and marketing - they've got far more in common than you'd think... She currently works for Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre while spending any time left over working on devised theatre and doing drag.

JAMES GILBERD

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...


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

Only Wellington.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

2ZB kids programme on Saturday morning: Flick the Fire Engine etc

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

Toy Love, Shoes This High, Wallsockets, The Cure, The Clash, Joy Div./New Order Buzzcocks, The Jam, Wire, The Fall, The Jam, The Who, Birthday Party, et al

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

Susan Sontag, William Eggleston, Andre Kertesz

What is your dream of happiness?

Live long and prosper

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

John Minto, Norman Kirk, Keith Moon

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Taxi Driver, Blow Up, Wings of Desire

What was your first real job? second? third?

Customs Dept, when I left school (3 years), servicing goldfish tanks (2 days), Photo retail (various, ages)

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

Toast

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

Samuel Delaney – Dhalgren,
HP Lovecraft – The Case of Charles Dexter Ward,
The Ffaferd & Gray Mouser stories by Fritz Leiber

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Would’ve liked to make it as a musician, but took a wrong turn in early 80s

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

The Brian Wilson performance of ‘Smile’ at Michael Fowler Centre

In one sentence, can you define art?

Stuff that artists do.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Be there for the long haul – others will fall away.

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

Dunedin

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Go somewhere non-westernised.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

Build a glasshouse out of recycled windows, with a fishpond in it.

What one question would you add to this Query?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Messed around with music for 20-odd years, starting off from about 6th form as a drummer in a punk band (Condemned Sector, later Neoteric Tribesmen), and continued in various originals, jazz, and covers bands until 1998. After completing Bachelor of Design degree, majoring in photography, at Wgtn Polytech/Victoria University, opened Photospace in Courtenay Place, with the idea of creating a space to show NZ contemporary photography, and as a photography studio to earn an income. We have branched into running photography courses and workshops. Have exhibited photography in various group shows and cafes. Aim to be able to write good fiction by the time I’m sixty (19 years to work on that).

IAN JORGENSEN

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...


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

Born. Papakura, Auckland. Lived in Johnsonville, Wellington from the age of 6 months to 17. Flatted in various suburbs around Wellington and the inner city until 25. Currently living in Newtown, Wellington.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

God knows.

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

I was obsessed with Simple Minds in the eighties, collected all their albums and any thing Simple Minds that I could lay my hands on. I was a huge 80s & early 90s pop fan. My favourite other artists were Billy Joel and MC Hammer. I still listen to Simple Minds, but now listen to their earlier stuff that came out in like 81-83 when I was too young to appreciate it. Anything they did past 1993 was horse shit anyway.

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

I'm a big fan of David Bailey and I feel cliche, but Andy Warhol, more for his involvement in The Velvet Underground, not so much his "pop art". Only photographers that have really inspired me are contemporary artists; Ami Barwell, music photographer from the UK is quite simply the most incredible photographer I have seen, taking live music photography beyond simple editorial coverage. I also really dug a lot of Anton Corbijn's work in the 90s.

What is your dream of happiness?

What I'm doing now, but breaking even and spending more time with my girlfriend.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Stanley Kubrick and Ansel Adams.

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

City of God, Gleaming the Cube (this was so moving for a die hard skateboarder at the time), The Castle.

What was your first real job? second? third?

I wouldn't call it a job. I worked at Camera House for around 6 years until 1999. That was my one and only real job. Taking photos of bands isn't work.

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

I already do. Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala from Daawat in Manners Mall. $8.95 including Rice and naan. Either that, or the Burgers from Paradise Seafoods in Island Bay.

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt
you still.

I don't read, seriously. I used to read in the eighties. Last book I remember reading was 2001, a space odyssey. I find reading takes away from the time I have to write, ironically, unless I find time to read, I can't improve my writing, and I don't have time to read because I am trying to improve my writing. If I read, I would also know if this was Ironic or not, I'm just guessing, its probably just moronic.

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a
disappointment to you?

I booked a band to support at three shows on one of my tours without seeing them on the recommendation of some friends... they were embarrassingly terrible, and I had to cringe and cover my head in shame each time they played for three shows.

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

A gig of local bands at Bodega on Saturday past. A Tsunami relief fundraiser. I went along to see two bands I'd heard good things about, but hadn't had the chance to see them live.

In one sentence, can you define art?

Whatever the fuck the artist wants it to be.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Learn to talk out your ass and be prepared to not make any money for a long, long, long time.

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

Stockholm. Have been obsessed with this city of islands ever since I jokingly referenced it in an article I wrote and then researched it.

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Pay my rent.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

Ixnay on the plansay, until the fundingsay come throughay.

What one question would you add to this Query?

What is your proudest artistic achievement/endeavour?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I went to school at Onslow College, though the photography department there didn't do shit for me. I spent 2 months at Wellington Polytechnic but dropped out because the course was too broad and I thought fundamentally wrong in churning out people with inflated egos and no real world idea. I decided just to give it a go, no qualifications.

After working in photographic retail for years, I bit the bullet and started trying to shoot professionally, after shooting portraits, weddings, real estate I finally took the gamble and just exclusively shot what I loved most: bands and fashion. After several years I started putting out a xeroxed 'zine of my favourite band photos, this zine developed a cult following.

After 7 xeroxed issues, I took the step to making it offset printed with a CD every month. I also took the mad step of releasing it every month with a nationwide tour by a different band. The magazine, A LOW HUM, is notoriously difficult to get. I like it that way. I am the editor and as a failure of 5th form English, terrible at my job. I make no money, yet have a hell of a good time travelling around the country every month taking my favourite bands on tour and then printing my favourite photos in a magazine that people really appreciate and see as a breath of fresh air.

Keeping my integrity, I don't sell advertising and I only have bands in the magazine whom I like. I love what I do, but will stop doing it soon because there are plenty of other things I want to try and there is not enough time in the day!!

FIFI COLSTON

The No. 8 Wire poses a batch of questions...
A creative person answers...


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

York (U.K), Cranwell & West Raynham (U.K) Takoradi (Ghana), Wellington, Christchurch, Bristol, Wellington again.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

Grimms fairytales, my Scottish Granny's poems and my father's airforce flying exploits (both in the air and the officers mess) Oh and my sisters used to like to scare me with tales of what would happen if you swallowed gum or orange pips.

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

Bryan Ferry's Love is the Drug, Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, all of Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon. I think my first boyfriend had a distinct influence there. I became a disco queen after that then I moved onto Punk as any self respecting art student does. Iggy Pop's 'I'm only Five Foot One' resonated. Mostly because I'm only five foot one...

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

God, now I'm on the spot- I could look very uneducated here...For me personally and not necessarily the rest of the world... my arty aunty Isabel taught me the value of a bag of material scraps and leather offcuts, I spent hours as a kid copying Leonardo Da Vinci's anatomical illustrations and trying to write back to front, and a little known childrens book artist Rie Cramer, who illustrated The Silver Thimble Story Book that I got as a 5th Birthday present. I loved her work then and still do now.

What is your dream of happiness?

A boatshed studio by the sea with a very large table that no-one will need me to clear up. Oh, and there would be a very good espresso machine in it too. And broadband.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Artemisia Gentileschi- she was a 15th century woman artist with exceptional talent and an interesting history. I struggle to actually admire alot of figures from the past even thought they've done extraordinary/ marvellous/outrageous things. Alot of them seemed to have really crappy personal lives. I gather Florence Nightingale went to bed after the Crimean War and never got up again. No wonder- looking after all those men.

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

Life is Beautiful (what bravery) City of God (what brutality) and yes, WhaleRider- we had just returned from 2 years in the U.k and I was overcome with emotion for N.Z that I had missed so much combined with the themes of the film that had me really think about where we look for our leaders and also the perserverance of love in the face of rejection.

What was your first real job? second? third?

Um...I don't think I've ever had one. Unless you count berry picking in Nelson for two summers as a gal and working as an airbrush demonstrator in the Whitcoullls art department for a couple of weeks in 1981. I've always freelanced. I did work for 3 months at Weta Workshop last year though. For 10 hours a day. Good coffee there...

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

French toast and bacon with banana and maple syrup followed by a flat white and a berry friand if I could squeeze it in. I would be obese in no time.

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt you still.

Vey recently, 'Doing It' by Melvin Burgess- so funny and so spot on about teenagers and sex. I've been recommending it to everyone- especially parents who think their kids have never thought of 'doing it'. 'The Lovely Bones' of course and it will be an amazing film (hopefully). The Mists of Avalon- yes, I'm a closet Arthurian and love that whole mystic side of Britain (though it seemed long gone when I was there recently) I'v read it twice and really peeved my daughter won't read it. I read 'The Drifters' (James A Mitchener) when I was 15- that was my first really adult book and it shocked and intrigued and carried me away. I also read 'Go Ask Alice' at the same age and I actually think it was the defining thing that stopped me from trying heroin when pressured to indulge in the late 70's punk scene. I'm an impressionable sort.

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a disappointment to you?

Pavlova. I cannot make one. Also 'The English Patient'- I fell asleep in it, it was so tedious. People say that Stone Henge is dissapointingly small, but I thought it was great despite my kids whining that they wanted to go and get chips instead.
What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?
'Grease' at The Opera House in Wellington. They were free tickets I tell you! (but it was still alot of fun!)

In one sentence, can you define art?

No. It would make me unpopular and I can't have that.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Persist.

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

Oriental Parade.

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Earn alot of money so I could live on Oriental Parade.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

Stalk a wealthy person on Oriental Parade and convince them to be my patron and provide me with a free studio by the sea with a big table I never have to clear up. Seriously though I am working on another novel right now and a Wearable Arts entry; the show is in Wellington this year- exciting stuff!

What one question would you add to this Query?

How do you get anything finished when you have kids?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I trained at Wellington Polytech Design School (now Massey) in Visual Communications Design, graduating in 1980. Spent 16 years in Christchurch as an illustrator for the design and advertising industry, childrens books and I was an arts and craft presenter on 'What Now' kids T.V show for 7 years (101 ways with an egg carton). Moving back to Wellington I have carried on doing more of the same (minus the T.V career) & written humerous verse for Next magazine for 8 years. I've tutored design, illustration and business practice at Christchurch and Wellington design schools. In 2000 we packed up the kids and went to Britain for two years where I did copywriting and environmental art and missed the beach. On coming back to NZ, I did an MA in Scriptwriting at Victoria University and worked at Weta Workshop as a storyliner on Jane and The Dragon and a costumer for The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. In 2003 I became a published kids novelist with 'Verity's Truth with a second book 'Janie Oliver' due out in October this year. I am a veteran Wearable Arts entrant and have even got a few prizes for it. I consider my greatest creative works of art to be my kids. They are beautiful, intricate, highly challenging, sometimes offensive, wonderfully kinetic, hugely expensive and I had a great deal of satisfaction in making them.