Kaupapa and biography
An artist based in Whangarei, I completed a Master of Fine Arts through Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in 2020. Since then I have continued to work as an independent arts practitioner and contractor.
My practice is diverse and multifaceted, it includes collaboration, storytelling, textile work, installation, performance, drawing, audio and video work. Recently, the work Selfies Stitched in lockdown 2020 was selected as a finalist in the Wallace Awards 2020 and was part of the touring finalist showcase. Another stitch work, Exercise 45, was a finalist in Changing Threads 2021 and Fantasy Cheerleader in Changing Threads 2022, the National Fibre Art Awards in Nelson. I have exhibited The Shutter Room Gallery and Geoff Wilson Gallery, including an installation and performance from my masters research.
My academic experience includes presenting research and work at symposia organised by the Costume and Textile Association of New Zealand and papers published in their journal, Context. I have worked with undergraduate students at Whitecliffe College of Arts and design in 2019, bringing my specialist knowledge around working collaboratively and working with community groups. I have practical experience in working in the arts, with experience with project planning, funding application writing and delivery of art projects.
The mentoring workshops I have delivered during 2021 – 2022 bring together the skills I have as a working artist, and includes project management, critical feedback on studio practice, approaches to research, applying for grants and funding, how to write artist statements, working collaboratively, and sustainable practice in the arts industry.
Testimonials from artists I have worked with:
Jolene Pascoe says;
“Having been part of the mentoring workshops with Angela I have found myself working consistently and frequently towards my goal of being an artist.
I have found this workshop has hugely complimented my recent completion of the Bachelor of Applied Arts. Learning more about the practical steps you need to take in the creative arts sector has been exactly what I have needed to keep my own art practice alive and to understand a lot more about the creative industry aspect of being a working artist.
This is one of the best things I’ve done! Angela’s style and approach to the work we need to do for these workshops is educational, helpful and knowledgeable and she understands each of our individual needs well through her thoughtful observation of us as artists and what we are trying to achieve. Angela is a great mentor and I would highly recommend these continue for future artists”
Catherine Davies Colley (MFA) says;
The 10-week Art Group mentored by Angela Rowe, was central to the re engagement with my practice. Angela’s thought-provoking comments, contextual guidance and extensive knowledge base of art ideologies have activated me and my making. This mentored group allowed me to shift and have confidence again in my thoughts and work removing the vacuum I was inhabiting. Angela guided the group with structured topics and discussion. The outcomes are evident in the contextual practices of individuals of the group.
Ros Craw says;
Grateful is probably a better word but kind of like thankfulness….. What has this group and you given me/ meant to me…..
– a supportive encouraging safe group to work with
– great discussions, new artists to look at, ideas to think about, books to read
– other ways of looking at my work, seeing how it’s seen through different eyes
-has enabled me to believe in myself more and keep working on my ideas -acceptance (really important for lots of different reasons)
-challenges, to try different ways of working, think about different perspectives ….are thrown but in a very kind way
-the chance to network with even more like-minded people in the area
– friends now for sure
Other skills and and experience
Consultation and content management for Auckland University and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, review design and functionality for the New Zealand Institute of Pacific Research website and content management of publication of academic research. This project involved working remotely and managing relationships long distance. Key to the work included developing an understanding of the stakeholders and the uniqueness of Pacific centred research.
During 2019 I co-led workshops with undergraduate students at Whitecliffe college of Arts and Design for Social Practice students. As a visiting artist I drew on my experience, asking questions and helping with planning and implementation of ideas.
Recent art projects, such as Suffrage125 exhibitions and performances included successful funding application to Creative New Zealand, involving budgeting, project management, communication, reporting, collaboration and creating workshops and learning experiences for adults and children. Through my art practice I’ve gained experience in social media, group work, leadership, communication and time management.
I draw on my time in grass roots community groups, in collaborating and co-creating projects and events. I am especially interested in the future of education and the role of the arts in the community and institutions and how educators meet the challenges of 2022 and beyond. Understanding the role of indigenous and feminist leaders as lecturers, curators and artists creating change and enabling more diversity of voices within Western Institutions is an area I like to explore.
Community involvement and volunteer work
The Shutter Room Collective, committee member, 2022 onwards.
Whangarei Unschoolers, collaborative community facilitation and support, 2016 onwards.
AAANZ, Art Association of Australia and New Zealand, 2018 onwards. Member and conference delegate.
Beagle Radio Community Radio Whangarei, 2017 onwards. Facilitating children’s radio show, co-host of Project Space radio show.
Costume and Textile Association (CTANZ), committee member, 2016-2019. Managing Facebook page and peer review of papers submitted to Context. Dress Address blog contributing writer and content support.
Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design Alumni Association, secretary, 2005, 2006.
Member of Artists Alliance, 2005 onwards.
Relevant employment history
2021
Mentoring – Creative Practice workshops for artists, art writing.
2017 – 2020
KDU self employed; CMS consultancy, project management, visual arts projects.
2013 – 2016
Mentoring and artist in schools visits.
2005 – 2009
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, ‘Art Interpreter’, working with school groups.
2006 – 2007
October 2006 – March 2007
Internship with the Visual Arts team for AK07, subediting the Visual Arts Guide and assisting Vis Arts manager.
Education
2018 – 2020 Master of Fine Arts, Whitecliffe College of Art and Design.
2001 – 2005 Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design.
Recent exhibitions, scholarships and awards
2022
March Fantasy Cheerleader, finalist in Changing Threads, Contemporary Textile Art Awards 2021, Refinery Art Space, Nelson.
2021
February – March Exercise 45, finalist in Changing Threads, Contemporary Textile Art Awards 2021, Refinery Art Space, Nelson.
2021
April 2021 – Jan 2022, Double Denim, project co-manager, installation, performance and collaborative arts project, funding received from Manatū Taonga, project was deferred and then cancelled due to Covid 19.
2020
September
Selfies stitched in Lockdown 2020, finalist in the Wallace Awards 2020, Pah Homestead, Auckland.
August
I used to find dead insects in your pockets, installation and performance for Geoff Wilson Gallery, Toi Te Pito Arts Precinct, NorthTec, Whangarei.
February
I used to find dead insects in your pockets, MFA Graduate exhibition, Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Grafton, Auckland.
2019
November
Keep care, Semi Final at DEMO project space, Auckland.
June
I say a little prayer for you; gathering material, cloth books and quilt hung in what remains, a group exhibition at DEMO, Auckland.
February
Series of drawings from the installation and performance, Everyone’s a stranger to me now, finalist in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award for Drawing and Painting.
January
Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Graduate Scholarship, merit based contribution to postgraduate study consisting of half study fees for 2019.
2018
November
Everyone’s a stranger to me now, performance and installation in ‘I can’t put my finger on it’, a group exhibition at DEMO, 1 – 4 November 2018
September
Recipient of a Creative NZ Quick Response Grant, towards the two Suffrage125 projects below, one in Dunedin and one in Whangarei.
To commemorate Suffrage125, Unbound: Gathering Material, a relational and performance project for the Costume and Textile Association of New Zealand‘s symposium, Unbound; Liberating Women held in Dunedin at Otago Polytechnic. Press release here, and more images here.
Into the Sunshine, Are we there yet? a relational and performance project for Into the Sunshine, an exhibition to mark and celebrate 125 of women’s suffrage held at Yvonne Rust Gallery, Quarry Arts Centre, Whangarei.
April
Exercise 45, hand embroideries; a sampler in shorthand in FREE SPEECH, a group exhibition at DEMO project and exhibition space.
Social Bodies; Ocean of Air, in Water, a group exhibition at Geoff Wilson Gallery, Northtec, Toi Te Pito Arts Precinct NorthTec.
January
Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Graduate Scholarship, merit based contribution to postgraduate study consisting of half study fees for 2018. Awarded for achievement in BFA 2005.
2017
October – December
Embroidery, On the Smallness of Things, in group exhibition; Here and There, Translating the Landscape, at Megan Dickinson Gallery, Rust Ave, Whangarei.
September – October.
Drawing, Where I Wander in the Night, in group exhibition; Works on Paper, at Megan Dickinson Gallery, Rust Ave, Whangarei.
August – September
Mycelia:Mycelium in the Window Space at the Geoff Wilson Gallery, Toi Te Pito Arts Precinct, NorthTec, Whangarei. The installation included a children’s workshop and and artist talk.
April
Crustacea, a collection entered in Woolon 2017, Alexandra, Aotearoa.
2016
Award
Award – Vintage Sewing Pledge, international sewing blogger project, winner of the ‘Showstopper’ garment category for a 1940s Noir gown.
2015
Recipient of a Creative NZ Quick Response Grant, to travel and present a paper at the Costume and Textile Association of New Zealand 2015 Symposium, Materiality and the Body held in Dunedin.
2014
Award
Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge, international sewing blogger project, Prize winner.
Media: Article about Urbanesia, featuring Hydra, 2013, winner of the Recycled Revolution Category Cult Couture 2013.
Media: Hydra featured in Good Magazine.
2013
August
Indecent Exposure: Breastfeeding and Porn, facilitated group discussion as part of the Fringe Arts Festival, The Porn Project, Auckland.
November
Award
Hydra and Coralline in Cult Couture, Fashion Show, part of Southside Arts Festival 2013. Vodafone Events Center. Hydra wins ‘Recycled Revolution’ category.
Media: Article on Stuff.co.nz about Hyrda and Coralline.
angela@mermaidspurse.org.nz
On the smallness of things 