Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
15 seconds ago
Bachelor of Creative Practice graduate Liv Wilson has added a second major scholarship to her achievements after completing her studies at EIT.
The 26-year-old, who graduated last year, has received the John Harré Scholarship, which supports students with a disability as they transition from study into employment.
It follows her success in 2024 when she was awarded the David Fine Scholarship, which enabled her to complete her first solo exhibition, ‘Chipper’, at Hastings Community Arts Centre.
Liv says receiving the John Harré Scholarship is something she is “really proud of”.
EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice graduate Liv Wilson has received the John Harré Scholarship.
“I am really stoked with it. It is a great platform for someone with a disability to show resilience and high achievement. It has helped me in my career and even helped me purchase an intermediate level camera.”
She says she actively pursues every opportunity she can.
“My disability is a big part of my life, and I have worked hard to do well with it. I am proud of that, and I thought this scholarship recognised that, not only for me, but for those who live with a condition.”
“I wanted to shine a light for those living with Bipolar Disorder. I wanted to show you that anything is possible and that with your condition, you most certainly can do it. My Dad would always tell me to choose my attitude and that’s stuck with me mostly in my adult years, because it’s all about how you look at it. As soon as I changed my attitude, I started living my life.”
Liv was born in Lower Hutt and grew up in Hawke’s Bay. After high school, she moved to Wellington to begin tertiary study before returning home.
She says enrolling at EIT was a turning point, after her therapist, friends & whānau encouraged her to study following a series of mental health challenges that led to a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Type 1 and ADD.
“It changed everything for me. Having an outlet to be creative gave me purpose, and the tutors supported me through my illness the whole way.”
Creativity has always been part of Liv’s life, but she says she discovered her true passion for photography during her degree.
“Anthony, one of my tutors, was the person who really got me into it. We did a lot of studio work and outdoor photography, and even photographed musicians, including my cousin. I realised that when I am behind a camera, I am my happiest.”
Her growing passion for photography has already led to major opportunities.
In Tāmaki Makaurau, Liv exhibited in the Women’s Work show (In)Visible, featuring alongside some of New Zealand’s top female photographers. In Hawke’s Bay, she photographed SIX60 and Yelawolf for a project with director Connor Pritchard, which she describes as “amazing”.
Since graduating, Liv has continued to build her creative portfolio. She is currently a social media content creator for Jonique Oli at Waiapu Road, where she produces digital content and design assets, and has also worked with community organisation Nevertheless on a docuseries ‘Akama’ara’ which follows the migration stories of three generations of Pasifika families in Hawke’s Bay.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing her photography practice and pursue agency or studio work. She also hopes to one day collaborate creatively with her brother and best friend Angus Wilson, who is a designer and art-toy entrepreneur.
“My biggest goal ever is to be well renowned in what I do.”
Liv says she is grateful for everyone who has supported her along the way.
“I am really grateful for everyone who has helped me; EIT, my family, my friends, my boyfriend. You guys know who you are. I have achieved more than I thought I ever would.”
Anthony Chiappin, Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer, Design, says: “Liv was always thorough in her process and inquiry, and this showed through consistently high marks”.
“She was not interested in focusing on just this though, but always questioning what her future may be, and we recognised that photography in all its capacities was it. I am personally so proud of what Liv has achieved.”