I'm Cath O'Brien, the founder and facilitator of Make Like a Tree. I have been working creatively with children for around eight years. I'm a practicing artist with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology and a Diploma in Nursing from Unitec.
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The process of making is a sensory experience. Through the creative process, children learn about themselves.. Using tools and materials to create, strengthens their hand and mind coordination and develops fine motor control. Important life skills develop during the creative process including communication, collaboration, problem solving, decision making, observation, and constructive creative expression. Experiencing their visual ideas manifest, gives children confidence in their ability to make things happen.
As a facilitator I have learned to step out of the way of a child's creative process but provide support when the opportunity arises. I provide a flexible framework with materials and a basic concept that acts as a doorway into the creative process.
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It’s a privilege to work creatively with children and I learn as much from them as they do from me.
I run creative spaces in Auckland at my studio at the Lake House Art Centre and classes and holiday programes at Mairangi Arts Centre. I also work as a tutor at Mapura Studios
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I have no hesitation in endorsing Cath for her work ethic, her ability to generate original creative ideas, her passion for teaching children as well as her dedication to making art with minimal carbon footprint" Christine Currey, Acting Manager Mairangi Arts Centre