Wellington at Last

Wellywood!!!!

Finally, I am here in Wellington. The bridging cultures program is over and now all that awaits is international student orientation at Massey. I find it interesting that upon arrival in NZ I was not as impacted by culture shock about the NZ culture as much as I was about the culture and party scene I witnessed in the people from Globalinks crew. Every night as the sun goes down the alcohol always flows in massive amounts. One moment people will be sober and the next piss drunk having their fun booty dancing, barfing and beer pong. It’s an interesting thing to be 21 and able to drink but still willingly refuse. It is sad that to be in on anything, alcohol must be present. I knew this was coming, but it’s different actually witnessing it. 

But, being in Wellington now, everything seems like its getting real. The closer I get to the start of school, now only two blocks away from campus, brings on all sorts of feelings of nervousness and excitement. But the anxiety I have about a new and foreign school system still weighs heavy in my mind. I know I am going to enjoy it, but I cannot help think of all the things that could go wrong. But it’s better to try and fail then not to try at all. I frequently think of what my Dad always says, “All you can do is the best you can do”. But still, prayer would be greatly appreciated.

            New Zealand, so far, has been incredible. From caving at Waitomo, rafting at Kaituna, chilling at a Polynesian Spa, to visiting with old friends (Van Heldens), New Zealand has given me nothing to complain about what-so-ever. Still, I am struck with a sense that New Zealand is not complete without the rest of my family. Back in 2006, my family lived in Nelson, NZ. It was there where I had the best experiences of my life. So even though New Zealand is absolutely stunning, I miss my family. Being in New Zealand again reminds me of my family. However, God is faithful and loving. He has placed several people in my life here in NZ that have been encouraging and caring. Lucian, of course, has been a superstar of a friend and the Van Helden family has provided us with a home away from home. They have given us a place to relax and decompress. God is good. Even though NZ is a very developed country and similar to the USA, it has its major social, cultural and environmental differences. The way people dress and speak is familiar to me and similar to the US but the way they behave is totally foreign. I can’t quite explain it, it’s almost like you have to be here to understand.

            As for my accommodation, it’s about as cookie cutter manufactured as you can get. I only have the absolute necessities, a bed, desk and clothes rack. I do not even have a dresser. I have to pay for my own Internet and electricity. Heating is not even available. So needless to say it’s crazy and cold. Yet, all is well.

            Please pray for my next couple weeks as I try to transition into school at Massey. Pray that I gain confidence in where I am at. I also ask for prayer that I get along well with my roommates who I have not met yet. I pray that we would be committed to living out a responsible and enjoyable living experience.

            Until next time, this is the Robserver out on the field, doing work baby!!!!!

Lucian, The Van Helden's and the Photo Bomber

Around the bay of Wellington

Lucian descending the cave.

Me too..

The view from my room!

A Warm Welcome

A Warm Welcome:

The past few days have been quite interesting. We flew into Auckland early Sunday morning only to be surprised by a wonderful day. The sun was shining, the air was fresh, the sky was bright blue and the temperature was pleasant. I felt as though the country itself was giving us a warm welcome.

Auckland is a big city. It reminds me a lot of many of the cities back in the US. The only exception is the city resides on several volcanoes both dormant and active. I have just recently learned that the two islands are very different in terms of how they were made geologically. The North Island is formed by the black basalt and volcanic debris where as the South Island is formed by Glacial carving. Hey…three days in and already learning new things. The future looks bright.

Auckland

Since then we have traveled down to a town called Rotorua. Yesterday we were invited onto a Maori village called Wharenui, Ohinemutu village.  It was an unbelievable cultural experience. When we arrived on site we were led by a “chief” from our group. From there we were led to the entrance of the building only to wait, watch and respond to a very sacred and traditional call and response Maori tradition. After all was said and done, we shared a very traditional Maori meal.

 The people I am traveling with are college students like myself (mostly from California). We are still in the awkward phase of ge…….PAUSE…… A FIRE ALARM IN THE HOSTEL IS HAPPENING NOW……(10 min later).. We are in the awkward phase of getting to know each other. I am so happy to have my good friend Lucian with me. He is the man. Everything else is great. The food, people we meet, and of course the scenery is sweet as.

Proof of a fire alarm….

Maori Visit…..

Oh and did I mention my friend Lucian and I just finished rafting class 4/5 rapids on the Kaituna River which has the largest commercially rafted waterfall (7 meters = about 23ft!!!!). Beyond that waterfall were more massive waterfalls where people have been killed so we couldn’t do those. Good thing too. It was by far the most insane rafting I have ever done. 

So this is it…I am off on an adventure!

        hahahaaahahaha. Bilbo got a haircut. (Dang that is one hansom man!)

 The funny picture was created on purpose. Nowadays, I find myself thinking ironically like Bilbo Baggins. Am I really up for the adventure or not? It is exciting and absolutely terrifying. But writing like this and more so drawing helps me cope with my senses of anxiety. The flight will be an all nighter (14 hrs. long) #Slumberpartyonaplane! Regardless, I am super excited to relay some news I have received regarding my classes I will be taking. Sounds like my portfolio did its work!!!! The following is a list of the classes I will be taking while in NZ at COCA:

237.117 Maori Art and Design Studio I - Toi Atea (15 credits)

An introduction to the development of personal forms of expression though an engagement with the values, concepts, traditions, art/design forms and structures of the whare whakairo.

We will be able to learn the following….

1.              Identify the architectural elements, values and concepts associated with the whare whakairo.

2.              Demonstrate knowledge of the basic working processes involved in producing some of the major art forms of the whare whakairo. (kowhaiwhai, tukutuku, raranga, and whakairo).

3.              Understand the major compositional structures of some of the major art forms of the whare whakairo.

Produce contemporary images and forms based on an understanding and respect for the customary art forms of the whare whakairo.

213.154 Drawing as Expanded Practice (15 credits)

In this studio paper students will be introduced to the potential for drawing to become more than a traditional practice of representation. The paper will focus on expanding students' observation skills, and modes of expression and representation, in an expanded field of contemporary art and design practice.

197.133 Materials: Design and Making (15 credits)

Material exploration for the design of objects, spaces, garments and textiles

We will learn…

1.     Demonstrate an introductory understanding of the design potential, physical properties and cultural significance of materials.

2.     Use investigative skills to find and select contemporary, historical, visual and/or material sources for inspiration and evaluation.

3.     Begin to creatively investigate and manipulate a range of materials in order to explore their potential design applications.

4.     Apply basic craft skills and design knowledge to the making of artefacts.

                Make reasoned judgements in order to develop studio work.

213.151 Sculpture (15 credits)

In this studio paper students will be introduced to aspects of contemporary sculpture with a focus on object making, the exploration of physical materials and applied processes. While working to a brief, students are expected to undertake independent investigations and develop individual responses.

Next time I write will be in Wellington. Peace.

Waiting and packing for New Zealand doesn't mean I can't have a little bit of fun here and there....I got big shoes to fill....

.....11 Days and counting.

As I move closer to my departure for Wellington, New Zealand on the 29^th, I find myself fluctuating between states of excitement and nervousness. I find I am nervous about the most insignificant things such as printing out papers, making food, and navigating the local transportation system. But, recently, a couple quotes I have been reading through have been very encouraging. For example, Henry David Thoreau writes in the conclusion of Walden,  “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours”. I have now convinced myself that mistakes will be made along the way, but greater success awaits.

New Zealand, and Wellington especially, strike me as a city bursting at the seams with life, culture, art and everything in between. From what I have previously experienced in NZ in ‘06, what I have researched this past year, and what I hear from friends on the ground in New Zealand, adventures beyond my wildest dreams lay before me. It is a personal goal/manifesto to live life to the fullest, move outside my cultural “comfort zone”, breath in the NZ air, take pictures, meet new people, and travel to places unknown to me. Along with these somewhat uncomfortable things to do, Massey University and the College of Creative Arts (COCA) program appear to be very rigorous, world renown in fact. COCA (College of Creative Arts). While these things may intimidate me, a liberal art undergrad and introvert, I see this as an excellent opportunity to challenge myself to grow. Bonus is…I think I am going to love it! I hope that my pursuit of art in another cultural setting would broaden my worldview and artistic perspective as a whole.

Currently, I am at home preparing for travel. I am working as much as I can painting houses so I can, in turn, use that money to pay for living expenses, art, and extracurricular excursions (hiking, biking, bungee jumping, etc.). I have just recently purchased a travel package during my Bridging Cultures program in Auckland to go white water rafting in Rotorua (Class 4/5 rapids!!!). Another bonus is I will be rafting with a good friend Lucian Green who will also be studying abroad in NZ attending Victoria University in Wellington (just a couple blocks away from my University). Needless to say, I am pretty dang excited about Rotorua Whitewater Rafting!  I am also working my way through several books some of which include, of course, Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Wendell Berry’s Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community, C.S. Lewis’ The Weight of Glory, and many more. Stay tuned for my personal thoughts about my New Zealand travels and, since I am an artist, many, many pictures! Peace.  

Student visa-check
Passport updated- check
Flight Itinerary- check
Everything else- check (I think)

New Zealand..... get at me bro.