CUSHLA O'CONNELL
Design - Craft - Create
RESUME
Education
Villa Maria College - Christchurch.
University of Canterbury: Fine Arts Degree.
Design & Arts College: Diploma of Multi Media Design & Production.
Ongoing Education / Skills
Digital Skills: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Running a Laser Machine
Christchurch Polytechnic: Figure Drawing, Contemporary Jewellery.
Hagley College: Garment Pattern Drafting, Bookbinding , Metalwork, Ceramics.
Papanui College: Limestone Carving, Stained Glass.
Canterbury Guild of Spinners and Weavers: Weaving.
Christchurch Needlework Guild: All forms of embridery and needlework
Work
I have been lucky enough to work in places that allow me to be surrounded by creativity while earning a living.
Early on I poured the moulds for 'Legacy Dolls', learning the skills of sculpting, mould making and porcelain painting.
I have since been employed at 'Rubber Stamps by Montarga', where I teach, illustrate, create samples and attend to our many lovely customers both online and instore.
Other Achievements
First place in New Zealand for Bursary Sculpture
Co-ran a gallery in Waikuku, Canterbury where my sculptures was sold up until the Christchurch earthquakes.
World of WerableArt Awards
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2015 Awarded 'Runner-Up' for the 'First Time Entrant Award'.
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2016 Awarded 'Highly Commended' by the WOW judges.
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2022 Awarded 3rd in the 'Aotearoa Section'.
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2025 Awarded First in the 'Aotearoa Section'
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2025 Awarded the 'Wētā Workshop Outstanding Designer Award'
(Personally selected by Sir Richard Taylor)