Welcome back to our International Artist Series.
Today
we’re catching up with six incredible artists from New Zealand, home of amazing art, beautiful scenery, and talented people. I
asked each artist how
their country and culture inspired their work, and they delivered great
responses.
Guangyu Li
Guangyu Li is a motion graphics student currently living in Auckland, New Zealand. His 3D work is colorful and magical, offering a look into his imaginative vision of the future.
See more in his portfolio.
Happy New Year
Kiwis are really friendly and kind. I live in Auckland currently. It is a city with diversity, both
on the cultural and social level, so it’s not too hard to fit in. The local
residents pay a lot of attention to sustainable development to
preserve what they enjoy. And I do like the environment-friendly and easy
life style.
Daily Render
Besides the Western aesthetics, concepts from Maori, pacific people, and
immigrants throughout the world diversify our society. Taking the public
culture and art as an example, I can appreciate masterpieces from
notable artists in the Auckland Art Gallery and Museum.
Cyber-Creature
Futuristic Concept Exploration
Since I’m new in Auckland, the art communities I’ve joined are mostly
online. In New Zealand, the industry is really small, so
designers and artists tend to connect more and communicate with each
other on the internet. Universities also hold some design and art
exhibitions, encouraging students to join the art community to develop themselves.
Kate Hursthouse
Kate is a calligraphy artist and designer
based in Auckland, New Zealand. She specializes in graphical calligraphy
work with incredible handmade posters and designs.
See more in her portfolio.
Noon til Night Illustration
I love that New Zealand is an island nation and we are surrounded by water.
Where I live is the narrowest point of New Zealand and I can
drive from the east coast beaches to the west coast beaches in an hour.
It is the most beautiful country in the world!
Burn Out Illustration
New Zealand’s influence comes through in my more detailed
illustrations. I often include native flora and fauna, bird life and
Maori or Pacific patterns.
New Zealand’s history of calligraphy is quite small so I have been
much more influenced by European and Japanese cultures in regards to my
calligraphy work.
Illustration
Numbers & Letters
I
have found the art community to be very small here, but that means that
everyone seems to know each other and it is easy to reach out to people. I
feel everyone is
very supportive of each other’s work and enjoy seeing other artists
succeed.
Pablo Espinosa
Pablo is a Mexican illustrator and designer based in Auckland, New Zealand. His work is a colorful explosion of mystical creatures and culture. Check out his intergalactic designs full of charisma.
See more in his portfolio.
Illustration
New Zealand is
exceedingly beautiful, with lush, dramatic natural landscapes in every
corner. Even here in Auckland, the country’s largest city, the greenery is overwhelming. The people are equally excellent. Our city is a
multicultural hub of optimism with people of all cultures coexisting in
peace and freedom.
Iyariverse
I have been freelancing and working in a digital agency in
Auckland for the last seven years, and I’ve definitely been
influenced by the down to earth views of my kiwi co-workers. Hopefully, I’ve also been able to leave my Mexican imprint of larger than life
visuals and living with vibrant colors in our lives.
Garage Project
Atomic Forest
The art community in NZ is ambitious, diverse, highly talented
and rather accessible. This comes hand in hand with a wonderful social
reality in this country. People value simplicity and
austerity as conducive qualities for a healthier lifestyle, and the art
world is better for it. This is the
kind of scene where people propel each other to succeed.
Shannon Jahnel Lanktree
Shannon is a Brazilian-born Kiwi currently based in Auckland, New Zealand. Inspired by her passion for games and animation design, her work features incredible 3D and flat illustrations full of life and color.
See more in her portfolio.
The Hills Have Tongues
Although I love a lot of different
aspects about living in New Zealand, its natural beauty is my favorite
part. With its crystal clear rivers, beautiful mountain
ranges, and amazing volcanic landscapes, it’s an amazing place to
explore and it truly takes your breath away.
Sushi of the Week
New Zealand’s surrealistic landscapes offer a
great deal of inspiration. I can’t help but imagine the fantastical
creatures that live in certain areas and cities. Listening to the Maori myths
and legends is also a great way to re-imagine the world around you. My work is influenced both by the Brazilian and Japanese art culture I grew up with.
Wildlings
Wildlings
New Zealand has its famous
home-grown artists, as well as amazing creative companies and
individuals. From the famous Weta Workshop artists, to individual
graffiti artists, toy makers, and game and music makers, we’re a very
small country, but we don’t let that stop us from making it big!
Antony Graystone
Antony is an incredible graphic artist based in Auckland, New Zealand. Armed with a few pens in hand, his work features phenomenal graphical illustrations of cosmic animals and skulls.
See more in his portfolio.
Architects European Tour Poster
As a Brit, I never planned to settle in New Zealand. On a
backpacking trip around the globe, I spent some time here and never
left. I find the geography stunning, from the snow capped mountains to the white
sandy beaches all in one small country. The people reflect the
surroundings with a relaxed attitude which suits
me perfectly. I’ve never worn ‘Jandles’ (flip flops) so much in my life!
Cosmic Grizzly
One thing that struck me about New Zealand was the interesting blend
of the two primary cultures, European and Maori. As a Brit I have a lot
of familiarity with the European side, but the Polynesian side was very
foreign to me. Learning about the Maori culture and traditions has
definitely played a factor in my work. Before written language was
introduced, wooden carvings were effectively books, so each mark can be
read to tell a story. The power of symbols and patterns is something I try to adopt whenever possible. Tattoos are also very mainstream in New
Zealand, so some of my work features popular tattoo themes.
Cosmic Skull
Cosmic Tiger
Being so geographically isolated, New Zealand has its limitations, but this is much less of a
factor as the internet continues to develop. This is not all bad though because it makes for a close and intimate
art community. I cross paths with many of the same faces in the local art
markets/expos all the time. All the usual opportunities are
available here, from mural art, to illustration and fine art, but it’s like a
microcosm to the rest of the world.
Emma Campbell
Emma is a digital creative based in Auckland, New Zealand. Featuring mixed media pieces of drawing, design and more, her work makes a smart impact with its brilliant graphical look.
See more in her portfolio.
Behind the Man
One of my favorite things about New Zealand is the nature. I love being
in the outdoors and it is so easy to access beautiful sights, beaches
and regional parks. I’m based in Auckland and even when you are in the
heart of the city you can still find a quiet spot in a park to stop and
take in your surroundings.
Girl Skateboards Graphic
I think the New Zealand culture and the country itself has
influenced my personal work a lot. I’ve drawn inspiration from Maori
culture in some of my patterning and have also referred to Maori history. A
lot of my illustrations have reference to nature and I think that’s
because of my love for the outdoors.
Branding
Waikato Heraldry
Most of my friends are also creatives who work in a range of different
companies so we keep pretty connected about what’s happening through each
other. Auckland especially tends to put on really unique art
experiences. At the moment there are 47 giant owl sculptures scattered
around the city that have been painted by artists and people are
encouraged to explore the city to find these works of art. I think these
experiences are so awesome to encourage people to explore but to also
discover beautiful pieces of art.
Many thanks to the artists who took time to answer my
questions and share a bit about themselves and how their country and/or culture
has affected their work. You can check out more of their work in the links
below:
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