Z.R. Southcombe's Blog, page 11

Out and About: Onehunga Primary School Book Week

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with the staff and students at Onehunga Primary School. After every visit, I’m always re-inspired and motivated to get back into my own writing. This time, there were two students in particular who really touched me. Here were their questions. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to knowRead more about Out and About: Onehunga Primary School Book Week[…]

In the studio: Immersing myself in my unique purpose

Heads up – this is a LONG post! There’s a lot of learning going on in my life, all the time. But from time to time I have an aha! moment, when something that’s been simmering percolates into a tangible, understood idea. I’ve said several times, to myself and in conversations, that when I focusRead more about In the studio: Immersing myself in my unique purpose[…]

In the studio: Behind the book “I am an Artist”

As many of you know, I’m working on a non-fiction art book, sort of a ‘how to be an artist’ for children. As well as my own ideas, I’ve interviewed four other working artists (Jane Thorne, Andrew Black, Catherine Warren & Megan Murphy) to include their thoughts. I realised that I haven’t said much aboutRead more about In the studio: Behind the book “I am an Artist”[…]

Out & About: Facepainting at the Mt Eden Craft Market & diversification

This month at Mt Eden, one of my regular craft markets, I’m going to have a go at face painting! I’ve done a little bit before, helping out Fairy Jane at Parnell Trust, but I thought this would be a fun addition to the market. I feel like I’m diversifying a LOT this year, butRead more about Out & About: Facepainting at the Mt Eden Craft Market & diversification[…]

In the studio: Back on the horse!

So last month could pretty much be written off in terms of productivity and motivation, but I’m letting myself off the hook. When I went for counseling, we talked about exercise. She said it’s okay to let myself off the hook sometimes, and to just think about all the exercise I’ve done in my entireRead more about In the studio: Back on the horse![…]

In the studio: Painting progress, book non-progress & Patreon

It’s been a little while since I last posted, and I feel this is a transformational phase for me. In my experience, these are uncomfortable and upsetting, but I end up in a much better place. We’ll see. Right now, I am making very good progress on my painting work – but unfortunately the venueRead more about In the studio: Painting progress, book non-progress & Patreon[…]

What’s Good: Auckland Zinefest 2016

With the Auckland Zinefest around the corner, homegrown lifestyle blog ‘What’s Good’ featured a preview of selected zinesters – and I was selected! Click here to read the interviews.

What’s Good: Auckland Preview #1 2016

With the Auckland Zinefest around the corner, homegrown lifestyle blog ‘What’s Good’ featured a preview of selected zinesters – and I was selected! Click here to read the interviews.

Out and About: Auckland Zinefest

Since getting into zine-making (which I talk about here) I’ve attended two zinefests: Hamilton and Tauranga. Both were wonderful in their own ways, and at each event I came home with a stash of zines for my personal collection. This week, I talk about the Auckland Zinefest on the NZ Book Festival blog, which isRead more about Out and About: Auckland Zinefest[…]

From the bookshelf: A Creature, by Catherine Warren

Since I met Catherine Warren at the Hamilton Zinefest, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on her debut book, A Creature. Who knew chickens could be so beautiful? I read later that Catherine wanted to show animals as endearing and relateable (not her exact words… I can’t remember where I read this!) without personifyingRead more about From the bookshelf: A Creature, by Catherine Warren[…]