Feature Story: Economics grad turned-artist brings colour to the streets of Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

When Emily Gardner graduated at the top of her class in Economics in 2013, the thought of making a living as an artist might have seemed a world away.

Now, nearly five years later, Gardner is a commissioned street artist creating bright and beautiful murals in Auckland, New Zealand.

“I kind of discovered painting when I was feeling pressure and uncertainty in other areas of my life,” says Gardner. “I was struggling to find the kind of job that I wanted - and in the middle of a difficult relationship - being able to go paint a wall to offload stress was a significant form of therapy for me.”