When a Classroom Full of Young Creatives Made My Day

Every now and then, something lands in my inbox that completely stops me in my tracks, in the best possible way.

Recently, I received a message from a visual arts teacher at Elm Park School who told me her Year 5 students were studying my nz pop art animal paintings as part of their term project.

Now, if there's one thing I love more than splashing bright colours around, it's hearing that kids, especially Kiwi kids, are feeling inspired to create their own art because of something I've painted.

Honestly, it still blows my mind every time.

The teacher explained that her class had been captivated by the bold colours, the cheeky expressions, and that quirky, not-quite-traditional, not-quite-pop-art blend I'm known for.

They wanted to learn more about me, my background, and how I got started on this colourful adventure.

So I sat down with a cuppa and shared my story.

A Little About How It All Began

I've been creating art for as long as I can remember, honestly, even before I could spell the word "paint." As a kid, I drew on everything: scrap paper, cardboard boxes, the wallpaper and Dad's books (sorry, Dad).

Art was always my favourite way to express myself. I didn't grow out of it… If anything, I leaned in harder.

Gorgeous artwork by one of the children.

My journey really took shape in my teenage years, when I began experimenting with colour and character, letting personality spill out onto the canvas.

Eventually, that mix of vibrancy, humour, and storytelling grew into the pop-art-meets-NZ-culture style people recognise today.

So when the teacher asked how old I was when I began? The honest answer is: I never really "began." I just never stopped.

.One of the kids spectacular artworks

A Surprise That Made Me Smile for Days

I asked if it would be ok to see some of the students' artworks when they were completed, and I'm delighted to say that, a couple of months later, another email arrived, this time with photos of the students' finished artworks.

When I saw the students' finished artworks, I felt goosebumps and knew I had to share these inspiring pieces to highlight how art can truly connect and motivate others.

Their pieces were incredible.

Pop art pet portrait by one of the children.

Vibrant, joyful, full of personality, each one bursting with that untamed creativity only young artists have. Some had taken inspiration from my animal portraits, adding their own bold twists.

Others interpreted the style in completely unique ways. Every single one had heart.

Seeing my art filtered through the imagination of nine- and ten-year-olds was something truly special. It reminded me why I do what I do.

Art isn't just about paint and brushes; it's about connection, possibility, and giving people (big or small) the freedom to see the world a little differently.

Another stunning pop art pet portrait by one of the children.

Why This Matters to Me

As artists, we sometimes work alone for long stretches, caught up in our own colourful worlds. Moments like this, when someone reaches out to say, "Hey, your art made a difference", are priceless.

Knowing that a classroom of young creatives in Auckland spent their term exploring colour, shape, and imagination through my work?

That's the kind of honour you don't forget.

To the teacher and her amazing students: thank you. You've filled my studio with sunshine and reminded me that creativity is absolutely alive and well in the next generation.

And to anyone out there, young or not-so-young, wondering when to start creating?

Start now. Or start again. Or just never stop.

Fabulous pop art pet portrait by one of the kids.

If my New Zealand art inspires you to create something too, I'd love to here all about it. Drop me an email.