Profiles New Zealand Artists Stefano Tevaga
| Stefano Tevaga - Wellington |
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Painter Enrolling at the Learning connexion Stefano stayed on for 1year, dream building short and long term plans all the while painting sculpting planning for the future of following my dreams to be an Artist. He attended Victoria University studying Art history and Pacific studies as well as Maori and Samoan for one year having decided to finish my Ba at a later time in the future. An Artist in residence for 2years at the Wellington Art Center. 'Forces of Nature' Toi Poneke Art Gallery 'Nu Beginning' Daf 106 'Pacific Sky' Quayhole Gallery 'Global Eye' Pataka Festival of the Elements - Sculpture Website: myspace.com/stefanotevaga
A few questions I asked Stefano What factors in your life do you believe played a significant part in you becoming an artist?The day I decided to do something I loved, being creative. Listening to my inner voice, knowing this is a lifestyle choice that I am truly happy with. What process (physical and mental) do you tend to follow when creating a new piece of art? Long walks collecting any random found pieces of material along the way. Usually ideas take weeks or months to synthesis. Where do you seek inspiration for your art, what inspires you? Current events local and international. What's going on with Artists the world all over. What is your favourite colour and why? Turquoise, harmony and peace. What is your favourite creative tool? Any tool I can get my hands on, often it's a pencil, knife or twig. What are the ten most interesting things you have done or that have happened to you that have contributed to your art career? Actively living outside my comfort zone meeting new people and surrounding myself with positive people who live and dream Big. Working with at risk youth Art program. Traveling hitching across Aotearoa exploring the new places I haven't been to before. Solid friendships over the years in the Arts. Volunteer work with Sallies Newtown. Attending peaceful protest marches against WMD and arms proliferation. Save Happy Valley campaign on the West coast base camp. Living artist in residency. Summer music festivals Parihaka and Womad. Auditioning for plays, and going to TLC. What would others say are your five personality pluses? Loyal, steadfast, patience helpful and a good listener. What do you love about being an artist? The freedom to be, creating something new every day. What exhibitions are you most proud of? All of them. What professional and personal obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today? Self doubt, fear and excuses. What essential lessons have you learned from any mistakes? To do better than before, work the plan - plan the work, be prepared. To do the ground work thoroughly -achievable aims, collective intel, strategy, location, and date. Most importantly having the support network of reliable people. What training/education you have completed, and what did you gain from those experiences. Also include non-art training that contributes to your worldview. Jack of all trades completed none had fun thou, experienced in learning what I needed to know. That being engineering -machine tooling, plumbing and gas fitting -welding. How do you spend your time outside the studio, including hobbies, interests, sports, family? Walking the dog, fitness training, and Gallery visits. Why is art an important part of our everyday lives? Feeding the soul What creative ideas and plans are in the pipeline for the next 12 months? Artist Residency's, solo show, and travel. If you were not an artist, what would you be? A Vet If you could make one rule for the world, what would it be? Keep the Earth clean. My idea of a perfect Sunday is….? Waking up on a beach. What do people say about your work? Vibrant and calm. What styles of art do you like, and why? Fast free flowing, Sumi-e, street poster art. What would you like to see change in the Art Industry? The hierarchy to burn and begin anew.
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