Wellington artist's SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Acclaimed Kiwi ceramicist Hedy tells how her sister’s ghost convinced her to pursue a career in the arts

-  Dionne Christian

Growing up, Hedy Ankers didn’t believe she had a creative bone in her body but the past few years have proven how wrong she was!

Now in her sixties, the self-taught Kiwi-Samoan artist is gaining recognition for her elegant ceramic work and has twice been a finalist for New Zealand’s premier drawing award, the Parkin Prize.

She is also the trophy maker for the annual Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Aotearoa Awards, given to those making it easier for people of all abilities to enjoy and participate in arts.

Hedy’s journey is an inspiring one. A mother-ofthree and grandmother-ofthree, she didn’t grow up feeling particularly creative.

“I was instead very withdrawn, having no confidence or belief in any creativity,” she tells.

It took the tragic passing of one of her sisters for Hedy’s true path to reveal itself to her.

“Her death was such a shock to me and, on the day, I had a further mind-blowing experience where Sis spoke to me, from the other side.

“She asked, ‘What are you not doing that you know you should be doing?’ I just broke open because I knew the word immediately – a resounding bell of the word ‘art’.

“Before me, there appeared a double rainbow and I burst into sobs, knowing she had come to give me this message.”