To kick-off what we hope will be one of our most creative years to date, the Visual Arts team invited Graham Hoete, or “Mr G ” to meet with the Year 11 Art, Photography and Design students.

It was an amazing presentation. Graham shared his art journey, as he has worked as a full-
time artist and designer for 15 years. This was really inspirational, on so many levels. Mr G is such a great speaker and very genuine. Our students responded positively and seemed awestruck as they learned of his life and insights into his creative pathway and success. 

He emphasised his love of 'Home' (also the title of his recent exhibition and the theme for the Yr11 Art class), as he is from Mōtiti and Matakana Islands and shared how he identifies with small-town New Zealand, as he lived in Kawerau for a time, as a child.

His korero was a culmination of recollections of his childhood and experiences as an art student. His path to success included creative opportunities with many famous individuals in the international arena, and his reconnection with New Zealand; the people closest to his heart, sharing his skills and message of hope, his love of heritage and ‘HOME.’ 

Graham gave encouragement to students to work hard to develop their talents. He emphasised the immediacy of social media and how he has harnessed that to promote his message and work. He described how humbling it is to be in a position to have creative freedom and how he works to improve awareness of and support for those challenged by mental illness and depression.

The students had the opportunity to ask him questions and he spoke freely. We were fascinated as he described the many wonderful experiences and then imparted key pearls of wisdom regarding all aspects of his practice from business and finances to creative flow, social consciousness, the spiritual and the culinary!