Ōtautahi Studios

In this episode I take the opportunity to reflect on the year that has been and give some insight into what is coming in 2026. I have dedicated this Episode to my Mother in law, Maree, who unexpectedly passed away very early in the new year. I share a book recommendation and a creative tip, something that resonated with me while travelling. In the second part of this episode I have a little kōrero with Sölvesborg local and creative extraordinaire Arsi Hakala about all things creative, enjoy!

"In this first episode of 2026 whilst visiting family in Stockholm I catch up with my aunt Ingela who has had a fascinating career in illustration, working 14 years for Swedens largest newspaper DN as well as embarking on a freelance career in her early 40’s. Ingela’s work spans widely from drawing advertisements to insect encyclopaedia illustrations to Japanese patterns. It was so lovely to have the opportunity to have this in depth kōrero with Ingela and a great way to start the show for 2026"

" I have a fascinating kōrero with multidisciplinary artist Ina Johann. Johann who is originally from Germany discovered Aotearoa on a geological study trip whilst at university, fell in love with the land and came back to settle here in 1997. She works in a variety of different media from print and drawing to video, digital stills, photography and light to create multi-dimensional installations. An inspiring conversation about how life happens to us, something Johann explores in her practice. "

In this episode I have an uplifting kōrero with the great people from the white room, an organisation which lies close to my heart. They are a charity and creative studio space for people with learning disabilities and other under-served community members. I speak to the co-leaders Blaire Rosie-Forrester and Simon Gray and to engagement and marketing aficionado Briedi Mc Crostie. They run the white room in collaboration with many art facilitators. I also kōrero with Leanna Brown, Jager Sowman and Kerry Poff, three of the White Room Artists that share their current work in progress and personal insight into the creation of art.
The White Room is located on the Climate Action Campus and provide space, materials and guidance for Art practice and whilst most of the Artist come through the mother organisation Skill Wize the white room has opened up bookings for the wider community to be able to participate and create in the studio.
The White Room has also just opened the doors to 'the shed' which is located in the Richmond Community Garden. This will provide a space for the Artists to exhibit their work, hold work shops and other community oriented events.
Enjoy :)

A bonus Episode where Tim Middleton shares his creative tips and a very cool list of book recommendations.