Dear friends,

I am very happy to share my tenth birthday celebration with you.
Yes, I have decided to have a birthday for my art practice – in human years you could triple that and then add two (soon).

The actual celebration is not a physical event.
It is an acknowledgement of self reflection and my thoughts of recent surround all the great people in my life.
People who have helped and encouraged me along the way – because it is not possible to do anything alone.

When I finished high school as an eighteen year old I went to Wellington because I’d never been on a plane before. 100 flights later I’ve learned that flying to Wellington is actually quite awful. Testament to all the clapping upon landing I’ve experienced.

I grew up in a family that didn’t have much money or traveled past the suburbs, but what they did have was: incredible work ethic, the ability to show immense love, generosity for others and ridiculous humor. They were so proud when I went to university, but complained that I never painted them a nice bowl of fruit for the lounge and jokingly accused art school of being a kindergarten for big people.

Phone call 2009

Stepfather: How’s China?
Me: I’m in Japan
Stepfather: Same thing
Me: They’re completely different countries
Stepfather: So what are you doing over there – is it a holiday?
Me: No, It’s an artist residency – I’m actually working
Stepfather: Cool, it sounds like a nice holiday. Do you want to talk to your mother?
Me: Okay
Stepfather: Love you honey – be safe
Me: Love you too, Papa. I will.

My parents are also very good at looking after things,
for example they still have the same Toshiba microwave from 1989.
I admit, that is far more impressive than my art birthday.
Twenty five years and that thing is still on rotation.

Anyway,
I just wanted to take time to thank you for your love and support.
It means everything to me.

x j

With my sister Sarah (1989) photo: Papa

Avondale lights from passenger windowDe Guzman’sPiata’s place

Harry watching fireworks / Kake + Hobbs Parlour eventNightlightsLuisa + Siliga Setoga / Edendale Bowling Club

Auckland War Memorial MuseumLeone Samu / Teu Le Vā project Soane Pusiaki + Suliana Jacobsen / Teu Le Vā projectVasiti Palavi / Teu Le Vā projectPt Chev / passenger window

Marlaina Key + Simon Ashforth

Bike ride / WairauRiversdale grass cut + boat by Maila’sSmoking in the rainSholto BuckCone drawing 3Deer drawing 2Leigh Sawmill 2014 / Jeancarlo, Lani, Franky + Drew sky / pile Oliver’s 1st birthday party parachute / drawings 1 + 3 Avondale RSARoof / RoadBig bear spotting with IoanaRat roof catch # 1 Mama’s lineMilo’s toothpaste drawing 1Harry’s volcano drawing 1+ 2 Plasters

Waterview from passenger window / drawings Under the bridge / Ash St

PNS bag/ drawing 2Found hutt / Heron Park Woodhill + OrewaUnitec tree stump / drawing 2Wildebeest / Auckland Museum basement / Drawing 1 Maila Baker’s siva for ManameaFaith Wilson

Wellington Harbour / plane window

Hendon Ave / on the way to watch ‘Walking with dinosaurs’ at the movies.Drawings: Design for Modern Living / found book

video/ drawing: morning after Alicia Keys with Frances Kelly.