Native Birds of Aotearoa by Jesse Harte in Melbourne

I’ve been a creator since kindergarten—starting with mud-finger paintings and evolving into expressive drawings throughout primary school. In high school, I pursued art with purpose, striving for excellence and exploring my creative potential. My journey continued through a Diploma of Fine Arts at Massey University in Wellington, where I experimented with a range of artistic mediums. But it was during a year in Christchurch that my art truly expanded—both in scale and impact. Working on the broken buildings left behind by the earthquakes, I found a new purpose: bringing colour back to a city scarred by destruction. This experience with street art ignited a passion for creating public pieces that transform spaces and uplift communities. Since then, I’ve taken on commissioned mural work for schools and private spaces, continuing to share my love of art in ways that people can engage with every day. This career isn’t just something I do—it’s a calling. Through colour, nature, and imagination, I aim to brighten the spaces around us and inspire those who pass through them.