Studio Insights - February 2026
CREATE: What I’ve created/done & what I’m working on.
INSPIRE: What art has inspired me.
LEARN: What I’m learning to develop my practice.
PLAN: What I’m planning next.
“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.”
February was another mixed month, relaxation and some work, although with an emphasis on the relaxation if I’m honest. I’ve been taking it super slow, easing back into the swing of things after such a difficult and busy 2025. It’s been a while since I felt this much time and room to breathe and take things at a natural pace, and it's quite nice.
Table of Contents:
CREATE: Marlborough Sounds & Tiny Signs Collab
INSPIRE: Blood Is Thicker
LEARN: New Plymouth & Len Lye
PLAN: Tattoo & Art Festival, Time-Stamped sale
CREATE: Marlborough Sounds & Tiny Signs Collab
February kicked off with some much deserved relaxation in a beautiful little hidden spot in the Marlborough Sounds, Bulwer. I’ve been visiting here with my family for many years. It’s deep in the Sounds, at the end of a long winding gravel road and almost entirely cut off from reception or internet. That’s my favourite part - switching off and leaving all the stresses of city life behind for a week.
Later in the month, I got a very exciting visit from the talented AJ (Tiny Signs) to drop off a custom-made acrylic sign of ‘The Castle in the Sky’ logo. I wanted to get this done to give the awesome logo design a permanent physical presence, as a memento of my exhibition. He absolutely smashed it with this epic creation! It now has a proud place on my wall and will feature in future art shows.
In order to make this happen, we agreed to collaborate and do a trade - a sign for a painting. This is quite a special project with some deep meaning behind it that is secret for now. I’m excited to say the process will be filmed and made into a documentary. So I’ll be featuring in another… back to back documentaries!
INSPIRE: Blood Is Thicker
This exhibition has been on the top of my list to visit for a while, and this month I finally made it along to The Dowse. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and was quite blown away by the amount of incredible artworks on display. Each piece was beautiful but also quite unsettling to look at. I find myself quite drawn to horror pieces like these, even if I don’t necessarily want them on my bedroom wall. I questioned what kind of disturbed mind the artist may have had to dream up such imagery. Not in a bad way, though - I believe the disturbed mind creates the most engaging art, and I admire that.
LEARN: Post Documentary Reflection
After finishing and posting my documentary, I’ve had some surprising interactions with viewers. Firstly, quite a few have said I seemed quite natural in front of the camera, which is hilarious to me. Filming was quite outside my comfort zone. I had to force myself to do it, and I felt quite uncomfortable and awkward the whole time. I’m glad it apparently didn’t come across as such!
I’ve also had a few people who I don’t know give me compliments on the video and my ideas expressed. It got me thinking about fame. I am by no means ‘famous’ or barely even well known, but still I’ve had strangers recognise me, and compliment my art. This felt different though, because the documentary was less about the paintings and more a deep, intimate look into my story as an artist. So instead of “oh, I loved that painting you did”, it was “I loved what you said about the creative struggle, and I feel the same”. This is so lovely to hear, and I’m glad my words resonated with so many. But it's also quite strange to have someone know your deep struggles, and you don’t even know their name. I can see how famous people might start feeling isolated, surrounded by people who ‘know’ them.
PLAN: Tattoo & Art Festival, Time-Stamped sale
This Saturday, March 7th, I’ll be exhibiting at the Kapiti Tattoo & Art Festival. It’s held at Paraparaumu Town Hall, from 10am - 4pm.
I’m also launching a sale this Friday across my whole store and some select paintings. The theme is ‘Time-Stamped’ - older paintings discounted based on their age. This will feature up to 60% of some select artworks, and 20% off prints storewide. Keep your eyes peeled for more details and the launch coming soon.