Description:

In Ōtautahi, there is a lack of local artistic representation that offers interview-based insights into artists' lives and practices. Providing a need to showcase diverse art mediums and bridge gaps between artistic disciplines.

I have a deep appreciation for analogue media and, over the past two years, I've built invaluable connections within the art community. Inspired by these relationships, I wanted to create something that celebrates both analogue processes and the community spirit of the local art scene.

When choosing my medium for this project, print was the first thing that came to mind. It’s physical, tangible, and an art piece in its own right. Everything is digital now, and more things are heading that way. I want to create something that people can take a break from their busy lives and focus on the minute details. As well as the different benefits that come from using a tangible medium: a physiological connection to the object, visual appeal, accessibility, less distraction, and credibility.

Intimate, inspiring, relevant and community-driven, Symbiosis is Ōtautahi’s authentic representation of its diverse artistic expressions. Collaborating with local businesses, I crafted advertisements that seamlessly reflected their unique character while complementing the magazine's identity. Every detail is thought out and executed to the highest standard, offering an elevated reading experience in which the magazine becomes a piece of art itself.

Through an intentional blend of design, film photography, and conversational interview style, the magazine invites readers into an immersive, almost tangible experience—one that feels less like reading and more like sitting alongside the artists themselves. Every element, from the gentle cadence of the questions to the way the text echoes real voices, and the environmental photography that anchors each artist in their space, is crafted to dissolve the barrier between reader and subject. The result is a publication that doesn’t just present stories, but allows readers to step inside them—to feel present, connected, and part of a shared creative ecosystem.

The first issue features nine local artists, with an initial short run of 80 copies stocked in select local book stores. A well-attended launch gig in Ōhinehou helped create a celebratory moment of connection, bringing the artists and their communities together in person. Beyond the printed page, the publication serves as a platform that strengthens relationships, fosters visibility, and actively contributes to the growth of the local arts scene. By supporting the symbiotic relationship between art and community, the magazine nurtures social and cultural well being—and champions grassroots initiatives.