15 mins of fame
This summer, The Dominion Post hit the streets to ask people who might not normally feature in the media a series of random questions. They were asked to select numbers between 1 and 110 – and answer the corresponding questions. Today, we feature artists
Aidan Walbaekken and Jayden Thomas who, backed by Hutt City Council, turned an unused piece of pavement in Lower Hutt into an inviting place to sit, relax, or eat lunch.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Aidan: You will be presented with far more learning opportunities than you expect. Take them.
Jayden: Try to be vulnerable. When you get comfortable, you become stagnant.
If money was no object, what would you do with your life?
Aidan: I would dedicate my time to painting murals in the city.
Jayden: I would set up a stage for local artist, and ‘‘gig Fridays’’ to bring people together.
What is the biggest issue facing Wellington?
Aidan: Housing. There are not enough homes for people.
Jayden: Job opportunities for youth.
What was the last book you read? What did you think?
Jayden: Scar Tissue, the autobiography of Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis.
Aidan: Melissa Burtenshaw – Attention
Please! I bought this children’s book for my own sprogs. It is an awesome book that speaks of the power of creativity..
If you could give advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
Jayden: If I were to give my teenage self any advice it would be to really think bigger and realise the possibilities of dreams becoming true. Self-doubt was huge for me as a teenager. It was not considered ‘‘cool’’ to try and if I had believed in myself and my potential more earlier in the piece, I think my mental and financial state would be a lot better.
Aidan: I would tell myself not to spend so much time trying to please others and fit in. Make the most of the education system as a means for self discovery. I might have found my creative passions at a much earlier age.
My idea of hell is?
Jayden: Hot. Aidan: Woah, this is a gnarly question. If
you are after a lighter answer, not being able to create artwork any more would make me sad. If you are after something more raw and honest, hell would be not being able to watch my children grow up.
You are the prime minister – what aspect of life, currently paid for, do you make free for all Kiwis?
Jayden: Tertiary education. I think if more people got the opportunity to study at that level of learning it would create a positive snowball effect on health, wealth, and attitude to life. Knowledge is power.
Aidan: Healthcare, gym memberships, free vegetables, free counselling to promote positive well-being in our society, and education – although the ancient template needs a bit of a reshuffle I think.
What is one thing you have learned that has stuck with you from your school or uni days?
Jayden: Trust the process and push through. Persistence is key.
Aidan: We are presented with far more opportunities to evolve and develop when we step outside of our comfort zone.
The All Blacks – the pride of New Zealand or overpaid demigods?
Jayden: Overpaid demigods, rugby is such an overblown and over-funded part of our nation’s culture.
Aidan: I think that rugby is a massive part of our country’s identity. I personally feel proud of our All Black side and enjoy celebrating or mourning with the team’s results. I think that the team promotes hard work, perseverance, and goal setting for our younger generations. We have to ask if the pressure from schooling and parents is taking away from the enjoyment and well-being of being involved in these sports. I also think we could bridge the pay gap between the men’s and women’s sides.