I’m a musician, painter and writer living on Waiheke Island. Since returning home from California in ‘96 I have self funded 4 albums of original songs which are all on Spotify and iTunes. I’ve co-produced 2 successful Blues festivals on Waiheke and 3 popular Cabaret events involving many creative talents from the island.

I have co- run the well attended Song & Poetry Thing on the island for 7 years. This is a monthly evening of original song and poetry held at a local cafe on Waiheke.

Last year I self published a book of short stories called ‘My First Real Pash’ and later in 2022 I’m releasing a novella called, ‘It’s a Long Ride to Texas, Baby’.

With the Pash series, I read a story and finish with one of my songs.

Both these books have paintings to go with them and were published by Lasavia Publishing in Berlin.

My short stories have been read on Radio New Zealand and published in Takahe, Landfall and Phantom Billstickers Cafe Reader.

Since retiring from teaching in 2008 I have had five art exhibitions including an exhibition about my famous great grandmother activist Miriam Bridelia Soljak.

I am taking a book launch/exhibition of ‘My First Real Pash’, to Wellington and Hastings in August - September this year.

I have been involved in many creative projects over the years. Some have made money some have not. This is the first time I have asked for funding.