Christine Brimer’s passion is to weave with naturally coloured wool from New Zealand sheep, producing beautiful textiles inspired by Aotearoa’s light and landscape. Working and teaching from her Niche Textile Studio, overlooking Wellington’s south coast, her continuing exploration of materiality and processes is underpinned by sustainable design considerations and grounded in the natural environment.
Moving to New Zealand from Colombia at the age of 16, Danilo R Reyes couldn’t speak a word of English. Struggling to communicate with his peers through language, he found familiarity, communication, and connection in art, igniting a passion for drawing and printmaking. He draws inspiration for his mesmerising artworks from his experiences as a refugee, his culture, and Pre-Columbian art.
Wellington illustrator and toymaker Minu Freitag works with a wide variety of materials and techniques to form her whimsical creations. Her engaging, anthropomorphic characters and scenes are based on traditional archetypes: the unwilling (grumpy) and lonely hero, the companion on a journey, and the dangers and shadows of the past, present and future. Yet, even though her characters are often dark and melancholic, they emit something strangely positive and uplifting.
Talented and busy maker Samantha Jones lives in Wellington with her husband and two boys, and has a third baby boy on the way. Working two part-time jobs as well as raising her youngsters, she sews at night when the world is asleep. “My mum raised six girls on her own and taught us how to be resourceful – that’s for sure! All of my sisters are clever and can make cool things, and I would love to open up a little shop one day full of our family’s creations.”
Wellington artist Rebecca A’court, of Little1Step, tells us “Success seemed to begin early for me at the tender age of five, when I won first prize at my school art show. Sadly ‘Cat Surrounded by Blotches’ was a high never to be repeated. But it marked the beginning to a lifelong enthusiasm for creating.” Now a mum to two kids, Rebecca keeps the creative flame burning with the help of the invention of school and locked doors. Currently she enjoys creating delightful and quirky paintings and enchanting miniature seaside scenes.
Deb Tuckey of Finnbear Kicks and Capers is the mastermind behind a range of gorgeous original designs inspired by and created for her boys – and now she’s sharing them with you! From her home on Paraparaumu she makes colourful, high quality bike and scooter handlebar baskets, soft sole baby and toddler shoes, and stunning masks and headbands for imaginative play.
Hana Makin began her jewellery-making journey in England, but now produces her pieces from her home beside beautiful Petone Beach. Inspired by this and the nearby Zealandia Sanctuary, her work features our fauna and landscape prominently (and in the case of the landscape, literally – small found items often make their way into her work). She’s inspired by found things, natural things and old things, and she loves handcrafting her Hana Made Jewellery in her workshop by the sea.
Heads up makers! If you live in the Wellington region you won’t want to miss this: Maker Faire is a great gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists, from scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects.
Shane-Maree Morris is the creative force behind Deep Green INC, based in vibrant Wellington. Her beautiful cushions, bed and table runners, and wall hangings incorporate feathers, flax, paua shell, textured fabrics and contemporary patterns. She’s inspired by the diversity and energy of her hometown, Māori and Pasifika design, and the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
Wellington designer/maker Stu Whibley of 6by3 is walking the walk when it comes to promoting less wasteful practises in production. His range of hand-made, hard-wearing, versatile and fashionable messenger and tote bags showcase eco-friendly and affordable carryware…