Helene Hall of heysmartypants takes her inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich culture, flora, and fauna to create her original art, which she makes into stunning prints and stationery. Her unique experiences growing up in the South Island, working in conservation, and love of New Zealand nature are the drivers for her work.
Sally-Mae Hudson of Shapes by Sal is a self-taught linocut printmaker, discovering the art form nearly three years ago. Sally’s appreciation for the great outdoors and the natural environment underpins the majority of her work. Her work is as much about inspiring others to appreciate the natural world, as it is her own artistic expression. Sally currently works part-time for WAI Wanaka, an environmental organisation where she is part of a Jobs for Nature field team.
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.
Artist Holly Roach is inspired by her interest in mid century fabric design and art, and she also has a love of iconic Aotearoa birds and their surroundings. These things are stunningly combined in her art, which she reproduces in a variety of striking paper and textile formats.
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.