I was recently asked to write a short story about what drawing means to me. This is what I wrote.

Fifteen years have passed since my arrival on these shores alongside my wife, Julia, and daughters, Olivia and Lauren. Leaving behind our careers, family, and friends in London, we embarked on a family adventure fueled by excitement and hope, far from the home we hold so dear.

One might wonder why we departed from a city we cherish. That question has crossed my mind countless times. The answer lies in our previous stints abroad – a blissful year exploring Italy and three years working in Hong Kong. These experiences ignited an unquenchable thirst to explore more of the world.

Our knowledge of New Zealand was limited, yet the fragments we did grasp hinted at an incredible place to nurture a young family. And indeed, it has proven to be just that.

Our journey led us across the country as I assumed various roles, searching for my niche in media. Eventually, I secured the position of Creative Director at NZME, the publisher of the New Zealand Herald. This role, which I love, afforded us the chance to settle on Auckland’s North Shore.

In due course, our third child, James, arrived – a son born on a third continent, complementing Olivia’s Asian birth and Lauren’s European one. Nevertheless, our path has not always been so smooth and filled with joy.

Health scares for family members both here and in Britain, coupled with the challenges of raising three kids far from familial support, made for demanding times. Struggling to reconcile sacrifices made against achievements gained, I grappled with periods of anxiety and depression.

Amid these challenges, I rediscovered my passion for art. I studied technical illustration in the early 90s, but it took me four years and a hefty student loan to discover it really wasn’t my thing. Fortunately though, I have always worked as a graphic designer or graphic artist and have managed to stay creative. Presently, my work is digital, and I’m learning to embrace the potentials of AI. Yet, as much as I enjoy technological innovation in visual design, the immersion and satisfaction of traditional methods like drawing and painting remain unparalleled.

Despite two decades passing without a picking up a  paintbrush, the thrill of artistic expression endures. I delight in experimenting with fresh techniques, welcoming paint under my nails once more.

In 2018, at my lowest point, I uncovered art’s transformative ability to provide respite from work and parenting stresses, if only for brief moments. Alongside a healthy dose of antidepressants, it played a pivotal role in my journey towards improved mental health.

I have very little self confidence when it comes to my artwork, but the challenge it offers is intoxicating. I am constantly seeking to improve and hone new techniques. It is a real roller coaster, one day I feel elated with what I have produced, the next I feel equally embarrassed by my ineptitude. 

Throughout, the unwavering support and enthusiasm of family, friends, and colleagues have propelled me forward. Their encouragement has empowered me to launch my pet portrait venture. Eek!

A decade ago, those who knew me would find it unbelievable that pets, particularly dogs, would inspire me. As a teen I bore witness to a savage dog attack on my brother. It was noisy, vicious and over in a flash and it totally altered my relationship with dogs for many many years to come. I became mistrusting and scared of them, I would go so far as to cross the road if I saw one, that I didn’t like the look of. It was only when I saw my phobia skewing my kids thoughts on dogs, that I decided to act. 

I figured that my version of immersion therapy would be the way to go. So, without telling the kids, I went shopping for a pug! No one ever heard of a savage pug right! The impact the introduction of Cooper into my whanau has been HUGE! Our perception has entirely transformed. We have become dog obsessed. Now, cured me of all my hang-ups, I can’t wait to get home and draw more dogs and share them with everyone. 

I think I may have lost the plot, but long may the adventure continue!

newjourneymag