I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate and contribute to the Peninsula Art Educators Association’s annual event, “Refuel + Reflect.” This year, I was invited to deliver a workshop on Augmented Reality (AR) – Design and Fundamentals.

As an educator and specialist in the field of AR and creative technology, I understand the significance of these workshops in nurturing the artistic potential and technological proficiency of the participants.

I was informed less than 24 hours in advance that the school had scheduled an internet upgrade, which meant there would be no internet access during the workshop.

Fortunately, we were prepared and had data available to create a hotspot, to overcome this obstacle and successfully get things done. It’s moments like these that I truly appreciate, they provide an opportunity to find solutions and demonstrate the ability to adapt, even in challenging situations where internet access is limited. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with such a wonderful group of teachers.

These opportunities serve as activating spaces, fostering cultural awareness by recognising and celebrating our diverse backgrounds and unique identities. As individuals from the Pasifika community, we are provided with a platform to impart cultural education, sharing our traditional customs, artistic legacies, and ancestral heritage. These platforms have granted me the privilege to showcase my artistic endeavors while simultaneously honoring the aesthetics of my heritage and introducing fresh perspectives.

Engaging in this enriching experience, I have been able to go beyond the surface level of visual beauty and delve into the profound significance and value embedded within these artistic expressions. By embracing augmented reality (AR) technology, my creations have found a home in esteemed galleries like the Fresh Gallery in Otara Tamaki Makaurau and the Fibre Gallery in Otautahi, Aotearoa. These exhibitions have not only allowed me to contribute to the art world but also to serve as a conduit for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation for our diverse backgrounds.