Around The Table

"If you do a sketch, and I do a copy, no matter how good I am at copying, [my version is] still lesser. But, if you do a sculpture, and I do a sketch of your sculpture, that’s an artform interpreting an artform. And that’s what acting is to writing." Harry Oram has a passion for storytelling, whether via screen, stage or song. He founded Apex Academy of Performing Arts to show local performers the...

Jacki is creative director of Back Studio in Tauriko; it's her residency as an artist where she can explore unlimited creativity with all her painting products at her fingertips. She believes in collaboration to the fullest - artists supporting artists. Find out how you can get involved in this malleable, multi-purpose space for a variety of artisans and inspirations.

Working as a Toi Ohomai tutor, photographer and graphic designer doesn’t prevent Heidi Douglas from taking time for herself and her creative thoughts. Listen to Heidi to photographer Kendra Stone talk about underwater photography, branding, and immigrating to Aotearoa.

Arpége Taratoa’s exposure to the art world has been rich, her critical and creative thinking cultivated in her father’s studio. Working as the Māori Arts Intern for Creative BOP and Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust, and Creative Director for Wakatu Incorporation, Arpége brings a wealth of experience and passion to what she does.

Filmmaker Micah Winiata sits down with filmmaker Louis Bolton to discuss Micah's recent release TAIAO and the motivation behind the short film.⁠ Says Micah of TAIAO: "[The documentary] presents like a snapshot of a really unique time in my life; coming here, knowing my whakapapa, connecting back to New Zealand... it's quite a journey."⁠ Connection of two worlds is a theme throughout Micah's film,...

Coni Flores is fittingly known as The Wanderer Photographer; she loves to explore natural landscapes to find her breathtaking shots. She also creates workshops for small groups or one-on-one settings, where she shares her knowledge on everything from long exposure to editing your photos. Her energy and positive mindset are infectious. Enjoy!

Grace Windey is a sculptor first and foremost, but uses a wide range of media. That intersection and communication between the media she uses really defines the way she makes things, putting concept before medium in all her work. Grace uses language as the consistent thread in everything she makes. She dives deeper into this concept with filmmaker Louis Bolton. She also really loves pierogis. We k...

James Ashcroft’s first feature Coming Home in the Dark turned heads in Hollywood, after his thriller received praise at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Actor and guest interviewer Connor Johnston caught up with James to chat storytelling, Dad-life, and the importance of collaboration and intention as a director.

Photographer Jess Lowcher wears more than one creative hat. She chats the pros and cons of juggling these hats with actor and guest interviewer Connor Johnston in this episode.

Artist Lynette Fisher loves nostalgia. She's also over people whining about kids on devices. Find out why in this episode where Lynette chats to actor and guest interviewer Connor Johnston.

Emerging curator and art historian, and Tauranga Art Gallery regular, Ellie Smith takes us on a dive into the details of a typical day working with the visual arts, and why (in the time of Covid) she’s no longer planning anything with certainty… You can learn more about Ellie by visiting her profile on our Creative Directory at www.creativebop.org.nz.

Today, we meet Creative Bay of Plenty intern and local visual communicator, Kendra Stone. She’s shooting all the images for our Creative Patapatai project and helping us tell dozens of creative stories. Keep listening to learn why Kendra loves Te Puna Quarry, her head-banging days, and why Brazil is on her mind. You can learn more about Kendra by visiting her profile on our Creative Directory at w...

Today, we’re chatting to film-maker and visual story-teller Louis Bolton. Louis migrated to Tauranga a few years ago. Keep listening to hear Louis talk about Nelson Mandela, Queen and Pearl Jam, and barbecue. You can learn more about Louis by visiting his profile on our Creative Directory at www.creativebop.org.nz.