“My work is focused on creating an environmental awareness and portraying the beauty of our natural surroundings,” says painter Elliot Mason. He has been featured in Uno magazine as an artist, and is currently resident and director at the Zeus Gallery in Tauranga. In an artistic family connection, the gallery operates from the same premises where Mason’s grandfather operated Harrison’s Gallery in 1972. 

Growing up around art, Mason looked towards Wintec to take the next step. “Media Arts seemed like a diverse and interesting place where I could sample a range of disciplines before specialising in one,” he says. He started with a focus on graphic design during the Bachelor of Media Arts degree but incorporated painting and sculpture modules throughout. Access to the Media Arts facilities was a highlight during study, along with the tutor and peer relationships gained. 

The digital software skills gained from design study have been great for marketing, he says, and having a knowledge of formal writing and the specialised language around art critique is also useful. 

Mason is undertaking postgraduate study at Wintec, and looks forward to developing his curatorial and fine art skills further. 

Check out Elliot's website here and find out more about The Zeus Gallery here​.