Bethan Parker

" The only people for me are the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn. . ."

I am interested in the fear that is created around difference, especially towards religion and ethnicity. I have come from a country where this is very much the case and get frustrated with difference being a ‘bad’ thing. It seems that people often make themselves separate from each other. I wanted to learn more about global issues and look at their effect on individuals and communities

Wellington is a beautiful, vibrant city that has now been my home for the last 3 years. Before that I was opening my eyes to the many cultures and ways of this world and before that living in the South West of England (I am originally from Wales). Having been through the immigration process I have a better understanding of the cross culture debate: how immigration is viewed and the experience of being a new migrant.

For the people of Wellington I hope that all cultures will become better understood and accepted. NZ is still a new country but one with a very open mind. This is part of what makes living here so exciting! I hope to see its future as a tolerant, respectful and accepting city and equality will be granted towards some of the communities that are presently marginalized.

I love creating and have always dabbled with drawing, painting, writing and acting. I think art is at its most powerful when it can speak out as more than just an image, and hope my Babel piece will do just that. 

I have just finished an art / creativity foundation course at The Learning Connexion and also work part time. After work, my weeks are filled with a newly found passion for painting, drawing, 3D, anything creative (although there never seems to be enough time!)