Artist and sculptor Nicola Wright is one of the speakers at this month's ArtsMad talk. Photo/Stephen Parker
Artist and sculptor Nicola Wright is one of the speakers at this month's ArtsMad talk. Photo/Stephen Parker
A social entrepreneur, a poet/environmental scientist, and a jeweller are just some of the local creatives set to inspire at the ArtsMad arts talk.
The three-monthly event takes place tonightat the Arts Village.
Artist and sculptor Nicola Wright said she had a "diverse" practice, having been involved in art for30 years, and a background as a graphic designer.
"Sculpture is my bread and butter, I also do environmental [work] to do with waste, working with waste materials - such as plastics and clothing - this includes running workshops to engage people with products able to be used again."
She said her presentation would be a "time travel journey" of a variety of past and recent work, with an overview of her practice.
Ms Wright said the line-up of speakers was "very intriguing" and she was looking forward to it. "It's like unwrapping a box, you don't know what's in it."
Jeweller Juliet Ransom, of Found Jewellery, is another of the creatives who will be speaking.
It will be her first time attending an ArtsMad talk.
"I have a young family, so this is a special one-off."
Mrs Ransom specialises in contemporary, "geometric style" jewellery in solid materials.
Having moved back to Rotorua last year after 12 years in Wellington, she said she would be speaking about her career, and her journey from studying industrial design at Massey University to making collections of rings, pendants and earrings.
"I'm super nervous but I'm looking forward to sharing my story."
Also on the line-up are Amanda Hunt, poet and environmental scientist, president of Geyserland Art Group Michelle Washington, Okere Falls store owner Sarah Uhl, Arts Village trustee Helen English, social entrepreneur Karen Hansen, and photographer and artist Fraser Toulmin.
ArtsMad co-organiser Jill Walker said one of the cool things about putting the talk together was it made her aware of the "treasure of people in Rotorua doing awesome things".
Mrs Walker said she was looking forward to the diverse line-up and the inspiration they would provide, alongside the opportunities for collaboration.
