User:Naffa82/Olivia Giles

Olivia Aroha Giles is a Contemporary artist and writer of Kahungunu, Raukaua, Te Ati Awa and Te Whanau a Apanui, Scottish and Irish Descent from Wellington. She has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Design, majoring in Textile Arts. After Graduating she went on to gain a Graduate Diploma of Creative Writing. She has become involved in Porirua’s vibrant Art Scene, working at Pataka Gallery and Museum. She published her first book ‘Two Homes’ in 2006 for Learning Media, which was republished as an audiobook in 2008. Her short story ‘Stepping outside the boxing,’ was short-listed for Pikihuia short stories in 2011. Also in 2011 She worked with Visual Art and Design Students at Whitireia New  Zealand Visual  Arts,  writing poems to accompany work for a midyear Wearable Arts Show. Actor and performer Frankie Stevens recorded these poems and it was her privilege to direct him. Olivia writes novels about educated, feisty, successful Maori Women working their way through the drama of life; sometimes feeling as if they’ve been given the wrong instruction manual. Her stories are packed with rich characters, drama, humour, love, suspense and high-octane action. She coined the term ‘HineAtua (Goddess) Lit’. Olivia has travelled a lot and once did a trip through Europe, Asia and USA on her own, probably the most insane, terrifying and exhilarating experience of her life. She has had many careers amongst other crazy things has been a chef, motorbike courier, parliamentary administrator, journalist, massage therapist, textile artist and graphic designer. She read voraciously and has an addiction to romances and murder mysteries, which she calls “paperback crack” and non-fiction.