It’s 2 degrees of separation in Aotearoa, as our mutual business circle has come right around.

Michele came to one of my Masterclasses with a friend and we got talking. She was telling me all about her business, and I knew I just HAD to see it for myself. She’s the type of creative individual who can adapt and create with any medium she puts her hands to. She’s handy on the tools and seriously creates every masterpiece from scratch. Her studio is goals and her property has it’s own Lavender rows and beehives, which she uses to make her own honey and lip balms. She does it all.
Today we introduce the greatly talented and creative Michele from Starfish Photos.

Who is the creative mind behind Starfish?

Michele Newman is a professional photographer and resin artist with a bit of potter thrown in. She loves beach life, which inspires a lot of her photography and resin art.

Michele's photography portfolio is mainly landscapes of Dunedin and Otago with birdlife. And her work features as part of a collection for a funeral supplies company for cremation ash scatter tubes.

Michele works with wood making grazing platters and tables that feature resin designs. She has been working with resin for 10years and specialises in ocean art.

She has a complete printing, framing studio and workshop so she can develop her designs from scratch.

How was Starfish developed?

Michele has always loved art and photography. But, 24 years ago, she decided she wanted a job that would allow her to be at home for her children while still earning a living.

Michele studied freelance photography and started out working for the Southland Times as a freelance photojournalist, then moved to specialize in weddings which allowed her to photograph beautiful landscapes and locations around Otago and build her portfolio.

Michele began using resin 10 years ago and has continued to develop and refine her techniques. She loves working with resin because it’s a versatile creative medium.

Her grazing boards and platters are all milled and hand shaped in her workshop. Her father was a builder, so she learnt a lot from him about working with wood and tools, and her mother was a beautiful artist and clothing designer.

Michele credits her parents for teaching her how to work to the millimetre - it makes a difference.

What challenges have you overcome?

Self-doubt when times get tough and trying to refocus and redesign. Finding a way to gain confidence again can be a struggle on the not-so-great days.
Grasping online social media and marketing as it changes can be a real challenge because it is constantly updating at a rapid pace.
And also copyright and protecting her work.

What has been your proudest moment with Starfish?

Michele donates many prints or artwork to charities and fundraisers that she is proud to support, in the hopes it helps others. Being able to give back and support others is her greatest achievement in her business.

She was excited when telling us "By far it had to be getting 21 All Blacks to sign a large framed print of my photo - The Terrace at Carisbrook. Ben Smith took it to Wellington for me during their training in the lead up to the 2011 World Cup. The print was sold on auction to raise money for a local girl, and her family, who had been diagnosed with cancer"

The boys in black went on to win the World Cup that year!

From a media perspective- Michele was the Artist in the Terminal at Dunedin Airport. She has also had her work featured in many magazines, and her prints shipped worldwide.

What is your favourite part about your creative mahi?

Michele loves being able to work from her home in Brighton.

She works in a beautiful location in a rustic studio that allows her to be creative and make a mess. She can experiment with ideas and if they work out it’s great and if they don’t it doesn’t matter because it means she has learnt something along the way.

She has built her studio to be self-sufficient, including professional printing equipment, a full framing workshop and a wood workshop.

And what would a home office be without two dogs and a horse are part of her team.

Was your business affected by the COVID19 lockdown?

YES, cancelled weddings, graduations and contracts.

It did however give Michele time to think about the direction of her business and make changes.
Like many others - Michele feels it was better for creatives like her as consumers are shopping more local and appreciating small businesses and hand-made products.

Five years from now, where do want Starfish to be?

Michele hopes she is still a creative small business as she loves creating art that finds its place within others hearts and homes. Now if that isn’t a woman filled with a creative passion for everything she does, then I’m not sure what is.

With an eye for detail, her talents do not go unnoticed. Michele offers wholesale on some of her items and also creates grazing boards and coasters for corporate gifting. Our family collection of starfish pieces is gradually growing.

It’s amazing to connect with such amazing local talent and there is something for everyone amongst her collection of exquisite art pieces.

Follow Michele on Instagram and Facebook to see updates of pieces she’s working on, and what amazing art she decides to create next.
Or to purchase your own piece of Starfish art - click below.