Meet the artists of Sparkle Bomb

Sparkle Bomb is a pilot project funded by Anil Patil, in honour of his sister, Anita. Anita was a co-founder of Home Ground, and passed away in 2020. She is our Sparkle Bomb Queen.

This exciting new annual initiative is designed to empower ten women through a combination of intensive creative workshops, well-being support, and community connection. Aimed at women in the justice system or those facing multiple barriers, we intend to provide them with a supportive space for personal growth and artistic expression.

Our line up of artists has been AWESOME! We have been so lucky to have them spend time with us and share their incredible creative gifts.

RON TE KAWA

"Sewing is a sacred practice to me. As an artist, I’ve got a responsibility to uplift my people and share. Through sewing, I can connect to myself and make a sacred space to create safely and freely (Te Whare Pora). I can draw in the energy of nature (Hine-te-iwaiwa) and I have my river of champion ancestors near me. That’s what my workshops are about." - Ron Te Kawa On Connection & Quilting (NZ Herald)

Maungarongo Te Kawa is a takatāpui fabric artist, educator, and storyteller. Grounded in te ao Māori, his practice makes old pūrākau newly relevant using brilliant colour, fluid design, and infectious good humour. Following a vibrant career in costume design and fashion, Te Kawa dedicated himself to full-time art-making and teaching. In addition to producing his own elaborate whakapapa quilts, he runs sewing workshops, guiding participants to express their creativity and genealogy through fabric. Te Kawa’s works are held in a wide range of private and public collections, including those of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, the Dowse Art Museum, and the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau.

(Season Gallery)

SHAZIA GAZI

✨ Our second Sparkle Bomb guest artist is Shazia Gazi! ✨

Shazia will be guiding a beautiful, hands-on session exploring the history and meaning of henna body art, while creating space for real conversations about healthy relationships. 🌿

Participants will get to learn, practice applying henna, and connect through creativity and community. 💫

Shazia Gazi is a Team Leader, in the Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention team, and a talented Mehndi artist.

VANESSA VIVAS

✨ Vanessa (Vane), is our third guest artist for Sparkle Bomb. With a Fine Arts background from Bogotá, she’s on a mission to help others use creativity for healing and self-care.

In her Trauma 101 session, Vane will guide you through art therapy tools to gently navigate and process trauma, unlocking the power of creative self-exploration.💥

Vane is currently in her second year of the Masters degree in Creative Arts Therapies (Clinical) at Whitecliffe. She firmly believes that Art and creativity can change lives.

LISA USSHER

 Meet Lisa Ussher – a trailblazer in Aotearoa’s hair industry, founder of The Powder Room, and a creative force who's been shaping beauty and identity since 1999.

From training in Paris to advocating for professional standards and sustainability in the hair industry, Lisa brings over two decades of experience, heart, and undeniable flair to everything she touches. Her passion for style goes far beyond aesthetics—it’s about self-expression, empowerment, and manaakitanga.

Currently a cosmetology tutor with the Trades Academy, Lisa creates engaging, hands-on learning environments that unlock self-confidence and personal identity through hair, makeup, and presentation. Her inclusive workshops inspire participants to discover fresh ways to express themselves - without it costing the earth.

As a proud lover of sparkles, colour, and creativity, Lisa is right at home with the Sparkle Bomb project. She’ll be leading explorations into personal aesthetics, diving deep into how beauty, creativity, and self-image intersect. Expect big energy, bright ideas, and of course... a bit of bling.

Sparkle Bomb is a powerful opportunity for women to rediscover their strength, creativity, and

resilience. By combining artistic expression with holistic well-being support, we aim to provide a supportive space for women facing significant challenges to reconnect with their inner potential.

This project will also honor Anita’s legacy, reflecting her commitment to supporting women in using their voices and their strength. Each step of Sparkle Bomb will carry forward Anita’s passion for empowering women, ensuring that her impact continues through every workshop, every connection, and every moment of creativity.

Together, we can honor Anita’s legacy, one sparkle bomb at a time.