The art department is proud to celebrate Taipua Kipa, Cheyenne Heka and Wendy Guan for being awarded Scholarship success for 2025. 

Teachers Mr Webby (Painting), Miss Harrison ( Art Design), Mr Satele ( Photography) and Miss Craig ( Sculpture ) worked hard with the students, setting them up for scholarship success.
Visual Arts Scholarship requires students to submit a 3 × A1 panel folio and an 8-page A3 workbook. These are assessed on three areas: critical thinking and research, communication of ideas, and synthesis (art making). 

We interviewed the students with some questions around where they are off to next, creativity and some tips for students for the year ahead. We hope you enjoy looking at their amazing work and what they have to say.

Taipua Kipa: Awarded Scholarship in Level 3 Painting and Level 3 Sculpture

What are you studying this year?
A bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, at Elam School of Fine Art - UoA

What has Visual Arts meant to you in your schooling?
Having visual arts in school meant I had hours of the day where I could just be me, in the purest and most productive way. Visual arts has been an imperative part of my academic success at school and beyond. It has been an avenue and outlet which enabled me to express my creativity in a way which was valued and rewarded by modern academic success. It allowed me to spend more in depth time studying and connecting with my Māoritanga (Māori culture) as well, researching ancestral methods of making and implementing them into my work. From that, I came to the realisation my ancestors did not practice “Art”, rather they lived it, everything they made was practical, meaningful and resourceful. Each pattern and colour has a lineage, purpose and significance for existing.

How do you stay creative?
To stay creative I believe you must foster the steps in which lead to the process of creativity. Inspiration, ideas, planning, execution. These are the steps I've identified within myself. 

No.1 rule - stay inspired and inspire others. You should surround yourself with people and things that make you happy and things that you want to create (or want to be). And remember, YOU decide what type of role model you want to be, what inspiration you leave for others. Lastly, everyone is creative. As everyone has ideas, you just have to find what medium works for you. 

My 3 Tips for Visual Arts Students are to:

1. Be kind to your teachers and peers 

2. Do the art that makes you happy (as long as it doesn't disrupt others)

3. Be true to yourself. Make things that come from YOUR heart !!!

Mauri ora !!

Cheyanne Heka: Awarded Scholarship in Level 3 Photography

What are you studying this year?
I am planning on taking a gap year and working (Note: Chayanne applied and was accepted into multiple art schools.)

What has Visual Arts meant to you in your schooling?
Visual arts were my way of expressing myself, not only as an artist but as a person in general during my schooling; it gave me a better understanding of different environments and emotional perspectives. As well as giving me a better sense of self and understanding on a personal level.

How do you stay creative?
I stay creative by doing things that make me happy and getting involved in different things, which always gives me creative ideas of where to approach my work so that it can be perceived in different ways and never gets boring.

My 3 Tips for Visual Arts Students are to:

1. Don’t be scared of trying new things or being different in the way you approach your work, sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can be the best thing you’ve done and will be one of those things you look back on and feel proud that you’ve accomplished something new.

2. If you feel strongly and passionate about what you’re doing, don’t let anyone try to talk you out of it. Keep going because at the end of the day, it is your work and YOU need to be proud of the finished product, let your passion be your guide and everything else will follow.

3. Just have fun, honestly one of the best things you can do while you’re creating is have fun with it, things don’t always have to be perfect or need purpose because as long as you are having fun and maintaining a connection to your passion you will find that the more fun you have with what you’re creating the more you’ll want to see a finished product.

Wendy Guan: Awarded Scholarship in Level 3 Art Design

What are you studying this year?
I will be studying for a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Auckland this year.

What has Visual Arts meant to you in your schooling? 
Visual Arts in school has become a comfort space outside of my home where I can freely express my creativity and passion for creating. It has allowed me to communicate my artistic ideas while exploring various media, cultures, and themes. Visual Arts has simultaneously taught me a lot about the arts while also helping me to improve myself every day.

How do you stay creative?
I stay creative by getting inspired through moodboards, peers, or viewing artworks in person, and remembering not to put too much pressure on myself. This means taking breaks, slowing down, and refreshing my mind by doing what I love -whether it is hobbies or simply just taking a walk.

My 3 Tips for Visual Arts Students are to:

1. Take advantage of your resources: create moodboards of what you aim for, ask teachers and peers for feedback, etc.

2. Don't be afraid of when you're in a "slump", take a break and try again when you've regained the spark to create.

3. And definitely do not leave everything to the last minute!