Salt Lane Residents
We're stoked to be home to a great bunch of resident creatives, find out more about them below. Huge thanks to Virtually Ōtautahi for funding some of our video content!
Nicholas Keyse
Immersive Reality founder Nick Keyse, graduated with a Bachelor of Design in 2004. His process predominately involves pushing the boundaries of graphics technology to create unique results. A dedicated practitioner, Nick's output already attracts blue chip clients and he is committed to continually delivering excellent work.
His personal “Eternity Spirals” practice has generated significant, early acclaim and is therefore well-positioned to engage with a wider audience in future.
hannah watkinson
While completing her Postgraduate studies in Fine Arts Hannah founded In Situ Photo Project. The vision for In Situ, Hannah's overarching reason for being and in turn the plan for Salt Lane Studios (previously The Corner Store) is to keep talented and intelligent individuals in Christchurch by providing opportunities for emerging artists by showcasing their work.
Her personal photographic practice considers the genres of fine art and documentary, attempting to communicate the psychological landscape and social-political environment through images.
Jen McBride | Jn Creative
Jn Creative is the studio practice of Jen McBride, a designer with international experience across a multitude of disciplines including branding & identity development, TVC & print campaigns, publication design, digital & web design, illustration and art direction.
Jen has worked across the Asia Pacific region, including a role as Senior Art Director for leading international agencies, Bates 141 & Ogilvy Action, in Cambodia. There she headed a creative team and provided creative direction for major 360° campaigns – covering digital, print and TVCs – for clients such as Unilever.
Now based in Christchurch, Jen has worked on projects with clients such as Whitebait Media, the UN, NZ artbroker, Gap Filler, SiloStay, Filigree Fine Jewels, Field Studio, Little River Gallery, Underground Coffee, and Dress for Success.
Robert Henderson
World traveller / Bon vivant / Fireworks detonated / Soldier of fortune / Oak benches installed / Champion of the oppressed / Daughter raised / Seeker of peace / Holes drilled / Wars fought / Appliances repaired / Revolutions started / Walls built / Bikes stored / Alligators castrated / Drains cleared / AstroTurf laid / Skylights diffused / Vinyl cut / Governments run / Uprisings quelled / Doors fixed / International lover / Furniture moved / Casual hero / All round good guy / Signs erected / Philosopher / Gib plastered / Tigers tamed / Network cable connected / Bars emptied / Tiles put up / Computers verified
Ellie Compton | Maker of Chaos
Ellie is an architect and artist who runs a Christchurch based art studio called Maker of Chaos. She collects peoples life stories and weaves them into chaotic and whimsical worlds of art that encourage imagination and discovery. Ellie’s storytelling and artistic style is expressed through framed artworks, murals, skateboards, fashion and commercial collaborations. Each work uses black ink line drawing to intertwine architecture, playfulness, and storytelling to command the viewers attention and provoke them to stop their busy lives in order to understand people better.
Shea McKenzie | Jaunty Productions
Jaunty is a purpose-led production studio. We specialise in narrative-driven video and audio projects, with a focus on aesthetics and a passion for telling meaningful stories.
At Jaunty everyone is welcome. We understand that no two projects are alike, so we offer a tiered range of services, meaning you can pick and choose exactly what you need to find the perfect fit.
Our clients range from global brands and government agencies, to local businesses and community groups. We like clients with a bit of moxie and take pride in regularly working with charities and not-for-profit organisations. We believe that good things come from working together and we’ve curated a talented crew of passionate professionals who guide clients through the entire process. Our streamlined approach makes each project as seamless as possible. No kerfuffle, no malarky.
Shannon Thompson | Out of Comfort
Shannon learnt to sew at the age of 5 and has never looked back! She studied Fashion Design in 2010 at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, majoring in Menswear.
Unfulfilled creatively Shannon wanted a new challenge so, a year on following her graduation, Shannon moved to London to take up an internship propelling her into the world of fashion on an international level.
Gaining huge experience overseas working for well known brands in the U.K and designing collections for London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. After two years in the industry her current visa at the time was coming to an end.
Shannon returned home to start “OUT OF COMFORT” – launching her menswear label in 2017 in Christchurch NZ and globally with her first runway show in Vancouver, Canada, for Vancouver Fashion Week.
“Inspired heavily by workwear and the idea of form follows function. Carefully Considered always”
Jimirah Baliza | Jimirah Studio
Design is her first love, art is her mistress. An independent Graphic Designer + Illustrator who don’t need no man. Jimirah grew up in a modest but entertaining household in Manila and now reside in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. A creative problem solver at heart with a passion on working with entrepreneurs, local businesses, community groups and organisations to enhance their visual communications to engage, empower and educate across print, screen and space.
Jess Amor | Alchemy Styling
After launching Alchemy Styling in November 2018, Jessica has carved a name for herself in the industry as a talented commercial stylist, with her handiwork evident in the monthly Style Magazine fashion editorials. Her keen eye for detail, combined with her creative mind and ability to conjure up unique concepts has the final photos jumping off the page and into the imagination of readers across the city.
Alchemy Styling offer customised personal styling sessions, including; decluttering the existing wardrobe, shopping for new looks, putting great outfits together and piecing together a bit of a capsule wardrobe from a mixture of old and new.
Georgia Greig | Gia Creative & Events
Georgia is a lover of all things beautiful. She started Gia Creative in 2018 with the dream of helping many clients achieve gorgeous and stress-free events.
Georgia is passionate about people and creating magical memories. She has a background in management and graphic design and feels it was the natural path for her to take. Georgia studied at the New Zealand Academy of Wedding and Events in the Advanced Diploma of Wedding and Event management.
Johnny Gibson | Neat Places & Nostalgia Festival
Neat Places is a guide to all the big and beautiful, small and secluded, hustling, bustling favourite spots around New Zealand. From brand spankin’ new cafes to dusty thrift stores, we put everything neat in one easy place.
Nestled in the heart of Heathcote Valley, Nostalgia unites the community through the magic of music, showcasing a curated selection of feel-good New Zealand and international artists. Wind through the vintage festival streets to discover incredible local food, craft drinks, roving theatre, markets and more.