New creative studio takes flight
Having a creative space of her own has been a long time in the making for photographer and artist Trina Rofe, and now she has it, she wants to share it with others.
Rofe opened her Huia Photography and Art of Aotearoa Studio in Feilding last week and said it was something she had long anticipated.
‘‘I wanted a photography space where I could work, but also show the range of work that I do – my fine art and the other influences that inform my photography. All of the work in here has a korero to it and working alongside others is inspiring.’’
Rofe is showcasing New Zealand artists, including paintings on native recycled timber by Palmerston North’s Pania Molloy, fabric art by Woodville’s Ron Te Kawa, O¯ amaru stone sculptures from Carla Woollaston, and raranga work by Marj Kahika Nikora and Alan Nasario.
‘‘It can be quite lonely for artists sometimes working by yourself and it’s nice to go somewhere and get ideas and feedback in a supportive environment,’’ Rofe said. ‘‘I’d love for this to become a networking place as well.’’
She said her photography studio was available for hire, with a full lighting kit and backdrops included.
‘‘So they can just come in and make use of what’s here without having to buy all the kit and I’m here too if they need any help.’’
Rofe said the name came from her love of the now-extinct bird the huia.
‘‘The logo is about the ghost huia and bringing it back to life. It’s really special, a sign of mana, and when you bring your art that tells a story in here, it deserves a beautiful space.’’
Huia is open in Feilding at 26 Stafford St.