Creative Capital: Radical joy with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole
Creative Capital is a podcast from Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi about advocacy and systems change. Hosted by Elyssia Wilson-Heti (FAFSWAG), it explores the role that arts, culture and creativity play in Tāmaki Makaurau - with a focus on the people behind the work and their vision for the future.
Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, creators of Wharenui Harikoa, discuss their journey from diverse backgrounds to crochet artistry. They explore ancestral ties, cultural identity, and the transformative impact of crochet workshops in prison. The conversation highlights the joy of collaboration, conveying warmth through creativity, and celebrating Māori art without limitations.
Episode themes:
Wharenui Harikoa embodies intergenerational healing and joy through crochet art.
The importance of allowing creativity to unfold naturally, leading to the creation of profound and beautiful outcomes that resonate with diverse audiences.
Radical joy as a fundamental practice in work, emphasising its ability to transcend boundaries and convey deep messages through art.
The concept of 'Mind That Māori' as a call for cherishing and protecting Māori culture and identity.
Listen to the full korero here:
Lissy's Story: A Tapestry of Art and Resilience
Born into a world where creativity flowed as freely as the waters of the moana. I was destined to embrace the arts. Raised in a large, creative and vibrant whānau where I am the pōtiki/youngest of eight wāhine.My father Colin Cole, a renowned NZ couturier and my mother Mairehau Tui Cole, a high intellectual, my life has been to navigate these two extremes and forge my own path. Crochet found me at a time when I was exploring and experimenting, trying to find my way. Crochet became my visual language, a way to honour my Tūpuna's memory, and a medium to express my deepest emotions. After a fulfilling journey in communications and fashion, including my 'I Love Lissy Collection', I discovered my true calling in crochet.
Rudi's Path: From Forests to Yarn
I hail from the forestry town of Kaingaroa. Born with a chainsaw in hand, my early years were spent in the embrace of nature and the creative sanctuary of my backyard shed. My transition from the forests to the art of crochet has been a journey of discovery and learning. Meeting Lissy was the turning point where I swapped my chainsaw for a crochet hook, combining my love for making with the intricate art of crochet.
