Artist Talks at TLC’s LAB Gallery: Creative journeys, ideas and inspiration

As part of the Lower Hutt Art Trail on 17 and 18 October, TLC’s LAB Gallery will host a series of Artist Talks exploring the ideas, experiences and creative journeys behind the work.

From street art and zines to mixed media, Māori art and the challenges of creative experimentation, the talks offer a chance to hear directly from artists about what inspires them, how their practice has developed, and where creativity can lead.

There’s a range of perspectives to explore, whether you’re an artist yourself, interested in trying something new, or simply curious about the stories behind the art.

Block Vandal Image Credit: Kevin Stent / Stuff

Meet the speakers

Saturday, 11am

Sian Simeon – A Growing Knowledge

Sian will reflect on how her understanding of art has grown and evolved through different experiences and art forms, from life drawing and painting at college to exploring Māori art and multimedia at tertiary level.

Saturday, 12pm

Penny Wyatt – Beyond the Nice Portrait

Penny will share her experience of pushing beyond ‘nice portraits’ and taking her art in new directions. She’ll talk about the challenges of experimentation, working through the awkward stages and finding a creative breakthrough.

Saturday & Sunday, 1pm

Carrie Burke – Finding Art in the Unexpected

Carrie found her way to TLC at 35, discovering a place where her practical creativity could flourish. She now transforms unexpected materials and discarded objects into thought-provoking artworks that challenge how we view waste, consumerism and what art can be.

Saturday & Sunday, 2pm

Jordan Harcourt-Hughes – Journey of the Rabbit

Jordan’s talk explores those threshold moments in life when we pause, reflect and ask ourselves, “Where do I go from here?” Journey of the Rabbit considers the questions and possibilities that emerge when we find ourselves at a turning point.

Saturday, 3pm

Restricted Programmes & Urban Art – Creative Education

TLC Director Sharon Hall will explore TLC’s history and innovative approach to creative education, including the Restricted Programmes qualifications delivered in prisons. This leads into Liam Henderson’s talk about TLC’s Urban Art programme and his journey as a street artist.

Sunday, 11am

Callum Robertson – The World of Zines

What are zines, and why do they matter today? Callum will explore their history in Aotearoa, the rise of analogue art and the Wellington zine community, and the place zines hold in creative culture.

Sunday, 12pm

Naomi Fuataga – Creativity, Identity and Connection

A mixed-media artist and educator, Naomi explores identity, culture, storytelling and personal growth through her Samoan heritage, family, faith and community. After stepping away from actively pursuing her own art practice for a time, she reconnected with her creativity through TLC. Her talk will reflect her passion for creative processes and the connections that grow through making and learning together.

Sunday, 3pm

Aidan Walbaekken (Block Vandal) – From TLC Student to Street Artist

Aidan, also known as Block Vandal, will share his creative journey from studying at TLC to creating his now-famous LEGO-inspired block characters at the bottom of Wainuiomata Hill. He’ll also discuss how his street art has evolved since.

Come along and hear their stories

The Artist Talks are part of the Lower Hutt Art Trail, with TLC welcoming visitors as Stop #12. Hear from the artists, be inspired and get a closer look at the creative journeys behind their work.

When: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026, 10am – 4pm

Where: The LAB Gallery, The Learning Connexion, 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt

Plenty of free onsite parking available.