Jigsaw Journal

I enjoyed anything artistic in my youth, it wasn't until I was on maternity leave from my preschool teaching job that I used my daughter's nap time to start doodling flowers. It grew from there and I decided not to return to teaching and instead become a self-employed artist - and I have never looked back!

I was always drawn to the arts, ditching science and maths whenever I could in favour of photography, painting and anything hands on. In the early stages of my career, I wasn’t working in a creative field necessarily, but I kept art close, always painting or drawing in my own time.

A lifelong artist with an eclectic style, Gerad’s creative journey spans everything from painting and drawing to digital design and animation. He finds inspiration in music, movement, and good conversation—often painting to the sound of National Radio.

I drew and painted from an early age and on leaving school took an apprenticeship as a Stereo Engraver (Photo Engraver/ Photolithographer) attending art school doing lettering. A career in the design and print industry followed, including running my own prepress and design studio for many years.

I have been working as a product photographer for going on 10 years now. I have a strong focus on food and beverage as I love to cook (and eat). I create sets and style all my own scenes which is like creating a little world for the products to sit in, this is my favourite part of the process. I love the story telling aspect of product photography too and getting to use my imagination to think out side the box and come up with creative ways to bring a brands imagery to life.

I’ve always drawn, painted and made things. But when I had my three children I had a long break from creating. I finally started again after my third child was born by dabbling in making things and then doing resin art. But I started painting again about 6 years ago.

I’ve been interested in art for as long as I can remember but the first time I properly tried to paint and draw was for my Year 11 portfolio and I was hooked from there. I decided I wanted to work in the art industry in some way when I left school and thought that would be fine art but then discovered I could mix both. After I left uni and did a bit of travelling I came back to Wellington in 2017 and while working in hospo, worked on my portfolio, created art and tried to post to Instagram and portfolio sites as much as possible.

Stacey is a Wellington-based ink and watercolour artist. Stacey draws inspiration from New Zealand’s unique culture and everyday architecture, her work captures stories of home, memory, and connection, honouring both the past and the present. Stacey creates meaningful, high-quality pieces that are as colourful and fun as they are deeply personal.

Jo draws inspiration from her rural surroundings in Piopio, and her work reflects a deep reverence for the natural world.