Sara Moana
The Master of Fine Arts enabled Sara Moana to harness her art to create safe spaces encouraging important conversations.
Why did you decide to study this?
“Honestly, I had the goal to study art, and that’s it. Having graduated High School at 17 years old, and immediately continuing my studies the following year, I knew that I hadn’t experienced enough to know what I wanted from that early age to make such a big decision. Therefore, when I came to the decision to study Fine Arts, I entered Elam with no other goal than to learn.”
The curriculum had embraced my need to try everything, as I was introduced to a variety of mediums that I had never been able to experience – performance art and sculpture most importantly.
Did anything surprise you about studying Fine Arts?
“The attitude to learning. The transition from High School to University student had been surprising as it not only introduced me to many like-minded peers that shared a familiar experience to me, but with how I communicated with lecturers and tutors throughout my study. I felt more seen with my perspective, and in my way of thinking as a creative that I felt I couldn’t have reached in High School.”
What were the most valuable skills you learnt from your degree?
The importance to play, to experiment and to ask.
How did your study prepare you for your current career pathway?
“What I learned most is my critical thinking to my own practice. Learning the skills to harness my intention allowed me to explore topics that I care about such as identity, mental health, queerness, body-image, existentialism, and feminism. I have been able to recognise what I would like to create, and for me it is to create illustrations that create a safe-space for tough conversations and make it both light-hearted and approachable in every-day life.”
During her final year of completing her MFA, Sara began her career as an illustrator. Since then, she has worked on a variety of projects with Auckland Council, Converse (International and Australia & New Zealand), ASB, Spark, RainbowYOUTH, Te Taumata Toi-A-Iwi, Samsung, Ensemble Magazine, Auckland Pride, Basement Theatre, YWCA, Waka Kotahi, The Big Idea and many more!
What advice would you give to high school students who are thinking about studying at Elam?
“Coming from a chronic overthinker, my best advice I have would be is to keep it simple when it comes to your decision on where you would like to continue your career path. Are you a creative person that wants to learn more? To connect with like-minded creatives? To work with mediums you’ve never tried? Then, come study at Elam.”