Israel Birch connects his early interest in art to when his father was laid off work from the Whakatu freezing works.

“He returned to carving. This was great for my dad as it was a way of healing him and our family. Since then, art has always been part of my life. I have since taken small steps and have now found myself doing a Masters in Māori art.”

How exactly he makes his paintings look like they move is a bit of a trade secret but he will reveal it has a lot to do with the materials he uses, primarily stainless steel and that his main influences include Ralph Hotere and Bob Jhanke.