Paua shell art for Kaikoura by TLC artist

Upon seeing the devastation the 7.8 earthquake unleashed upon Kaikoura, like most of us, Wainuiomata artist and TLC distance learning art student, Aidan Walbaekken, wanted to do something to help. So he did.

Drawing inspiration from the ocean, he began creating 34 shells of varying sizes over four days, working dawn to night, cutting shell shapes out of plywood and spray painting each of them.

All proceeds from the sale of each carefully crafted paua shell is going directly to the Red Cross, for their relief work in Kaikoura. The largest shell produced by Aidan measured up to one metre in width, and is currently up for auction on Trademe. Get in quick!

You can also purchase one of Aidan’s smaller shells on his Facebook page Adonalon Art.

Aidan is in his second year of a Diploma of Creativity and Art at The Learning Connexion. He plans to continue with his studies and complete the Honours programme.

If interest in his work continues, Aidan would love to make more paua shells, and perhaps also branch out into other Kiwi icons, such as tui and pohutukawa trees.

"Creativity can be used as a problem solver. We are all capable of doing something."

To find out more about The Learning Connexion’s Creativity and Art Diploma programmes call us on 0800 278 769 or request a prospectus.