Lots of talent in art scene

Visual artist, teacher and mentor Carol Bisset. Photo/supplied

The incubator chats with one of its artists, Carol Bisset

How long have you lived in Tauranga? I moved to Tauranga in early 2014 after more than eight years living and teaching in Brisbane. Prior to this I was living in Auckland and Hamilton.

What is your arts background? I went to art college in the UK after leaving school and completed a BFA in sculpture, followed by postgraduate studies in art education. After many years teaching in high schools I moved to New Zealand where I completed a masters degree in fine art through RMIT in Melbourne. I have exhibited in solo and group shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Did you intend to teach in schools in New Zealand? I was fortunate to be able to teach in adult education, initially as part of a visual arts degree programme with MIT in Auckland and an art teacher in community education programmes in West Auckland and Hamilton.

When I moved to Australia I set up my own adult programmes to meet the needs of part-time study in the arts. It was terrific to see some of my students go on to complete tertiary study.

How does the Bay of Plenty arts scene compare to Auckland and Brisbane's? Since joining the team at The Incubator, I have been welcomed into the 'fold'. I think the Tauranga art scene has lots of energy, potential and talent.

Since returning to New Zealand many of the community education classes have disappeared which is sad to see. I have been teaching my own adult classes in Tauranga over the last year and had a great response; there are many adults out there who want to extend their knowledge and practical skills through part-time study in the visual arts.

What projects are you working on? I recently took over a studio space at The Incubator which allows me to develop my arts practice as I have limited studio space at home. My intention is to work towards a series of group or solo exhibitions in a variety of exhibiting spaces in New Zealand, including, of course, Tauranga. I will also be teaching classes at the 'Artery' which is the newly formed teaching space at the Incubator.

Recently I have been involved with a group of Incubator artists in painting a mural for the upcoming Garden and Arts Festival. What do you see yourself doing in the future? I plan to continue teaching adult programmes as well as developing my own work further. I have in the past exhibited in NZ and Australia and am looking forward to planning my first of many exhibitions in the Bay of Plenty.