HARRIET SELFE

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? 

 

I am based in sunny Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN ARTIST?

 

I have been drawing and painting since I was young, so over 20 years now. My parents and my high school art teacher, Aurelia Zatta, played a big role in inspiring me to become both an artist and an art teacher.

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ARE YOU TAKING COMMISSIONS?

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Yes. Please check out the Google Form on the "Commissions" tab if you are interested in working with me.

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WHAT DO YOU USE FOR YOUR ART?

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I enjoy working with oils, acrylics, and mixed media. I also like experimenting with different materials, including sewing and other crafts.

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Here are some of the main materials and tools I use:

• Acrylics: Pebeo Studio Acrylics - High Viscosity, 100ml

• Oils: Pebeo XL, 20ml

• Watercolours: Winsor & Newton Watercolours

• Brushes: NAS Round Taklon Sizes: 000, 00, 0. Da Vinci Forte Round and Flat Sizes: 2, 6

• Pens: Copic Multiliners, Dong-A U Knock XQ Black 0.5

• Alcohol Markers: Copic Ciao

• Stretched Canvas: Das Exhibition 

• Panel Canvas: Fredrix

• Canvas Panel & Pad: Fredrix

• Sketchbooks: Gordon Harris Visual Diary A4 - A3, 110gsm

• Digital Paintings: Adobe Photoshop 2020

            Art Supply Store: Gordon Harris https://www.gordonharris.co.nz/ 

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WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR MEDIA & TOOLS?

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I buy most of my Media and Tools from Gordon Harris.

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HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR CAREER?

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I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in 2016, followed by a teaching diploma in Visual Art and History at Massey University in 2017.

I developed many of my core skills during high school under the guidance of my art teacher, Aurelia Zatta. She taught me anatomy, expressive drawing and painting, and how to see the world from new perspectives. Since then, I have continued learning through observing other artists, experimenting with different media, and taking creative risks.

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WHAT ARTISTS OR GENRES INSPIRE YOU?

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I am strongly inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites, especially their romantic compositions, rich colour, and attention to detail.

I also admire the self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, particularly her use of symbolism and vibrant colour influenced by her culture and surroundings.

Contemporary artists who inspire me include Alex Gross, Beau Frank, Amanda Toner, Kehinde Wiley, Aykut Aydoğdu, Séraphine Pick, Tristan Eaton, Orphans_inc, and Samuel Rodriguez.

I also draw inspiration from popular culture, including films, television, and games.

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CAN I REPOST YOUR WORK?

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Yes, as long as you credit me by tagging @harrieartselfe. Please do not crop, remove watermarks, or edit the artwork in any way.

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CAN I USE YOUR ART AS A REFERENCE?

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Yes, you are welcome to use my work for inspiration. Please do not copy or closely replicate my artwork.

Using my work for study or learning purposes is fine, but tracing or copying large sections is not acceptable. Always credit the artist where appropriate.

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DO YOU SELL FAN ART?

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No. Out of respect for original creators, photographers, and models, I do not sell fan art. There are also copyright considerations around this type of work.

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DO YOU TAKE LESSONS?

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I teach full-time at a local high school. I also share tips, techniques, and insights into my process on my TikTok, which is a great place to learn more about how I work.

 

DO YOU USE AI IN YOUR ART?

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I use AI as a tool, such as programs like Adobe Photoshop. It supports my process but does not replace my creativity, artistic vision or final work.

I see AI as part of the natural evolution of art and technology, much like the shift from film photography to digital photography. While AI is already impacting creative jobs, I believe there will always be value in original, human-made work, as well as in a personal artistic voice and style. 

​I am also mindful of the environmental impact of AI, including energy and water use, and continue to reflect on this in my practice.

My references are either gathered by myself or sourced from copyright-free platforms such as Unsplash.

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WHERE ELSE CAN I FOLLOW YOU ONLINE?

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• Instagram 

• TikTok

• Facebook 

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