About
Having gained my BA in Media Arts (Visual Arts) at WINTEC, NZ, I’ve always remained interested in keeping up with the learning. Especially about Identity and in the arts. When I did start to lose my hearing I then began a journey of my own that has led me to learning first hand what I studied through my degree.
If it wasn’t for my personal love of photography and the ability to pick up the camera and disconnect from the world of people and head into nature with camera in tow while my mind, body and soul were going through the changes it has I wouldn’t have grown in my Deaf identity within the photography world as much as I have today. It in itself has been incredible to see the growth within my work as I lose more hearing my work seems to gain more depth of which people cannot seem to describe other than saying it really feels like they are standing right in front of the place or they feel they can reach out and touch the subject matter.
To me I have learnt to shoot from what I feel from within and what I hear through my eyes. I will often take out my hearing aids and use NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) to communicate with my travelling companions. This is when I do my best work. This is when I am truly myself and truly connected with my surroundings.
Achievements to Date:
Photo essay on the preschools in Matamata called Celebrating our Preschoolers.
Completing a Book for Putaruru College portraying the Special nature and culture of the school through the voice of the pupils themselves. This was used by the school as gifts for the local community.