Fresh From The Field — Born to Create By Lucie Blaze

Lucie discovers how creative women work in Aotearoa and gathers them together in her Born to Create publication. Born out of a previous series of inspirational talks, the purpose is to give a voice to women and celebrate creativity and diversity across disciplines. She explores their practices, studios and inspirations – with each interview offering a variety of insights into the practices and approaches of women working in creative fields.
Want to submit your own work to Fresh From The Field? Fill out the FFTF form here.
Brought to you by our friends at BookPrint.

The brief:

I wanted to discover how creative women work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Explore their practices, find out what keeps them inspired, how they perceive the world and visit their studios.
A previous initiative, Born to Create – Celebrating Creative Women which is a series of inspirational talks, organically evolved into creating this publication.

The Design Response:
I began this exploration by starting my platform Born to Create – Celebrating Creative Women which is a series of inspirational talks with the purpose to give a voice to women who aspire to create a societal change and to invite women speakers who are already changing societal perceptions through their creative practice. I hope to create an inspirational series of talks from those already established in their field, as well as those who are at the beginning of their journey. The aim of this project is to connect, grow, network and inspire.
I felt like the platform was great, but I couldn’t fit too many speakers in it and I wanted to create something bigger, more impactful, full of love and passion (and pain) that myself and other creatives get from being creative. That’s when the idea of publication was born.

The first issue is focused on artists residing mainly in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s my way of giving back to women who held space for me in the past and who believed in my future. It offers insight into the diverse creative practices and approaches of women working in creative fields.
This publication celebrates creativity and diversity across disciplines – whether it be through baking cakes, painting, graphic design, writing or advocacy for youth development. In each interview, the artist speaks candidly about their profession, creative approach, challenges, perceptions of creativity, and navigating the world as a woman.
I would like to acknowledge Emily Raftery, the amazing photographer behind each photo throughout this publication, for her talent and ability to make this mission so smooth. I would like to also acknowledge Steff Green, the kindest acclaimed writer who left aside her mystery writing to help edit all interviews so they are a joy to read.

I also created a set of dreamy, surreal graphics to accompany the publication. You can also read a Manifesto I wrote for Born to Create in general. It was printed by Bookprint Limited, Auckland on Bookprint Bulky Cream stock. The recycled stock nicely contrasts with a matt cover that is embellished by gold foiling. It’s a limited, collectible edition of 100 signed copies. Each copy is numbered X/100, and is 92 pages.
You can get your copy here https://www.lucie-blaze.com/product-page/born-to-create-publication

The Design Team/Collaborators: