Ross Calman is a Māori writer, editor, and historian who is working on his first novel. He spoke to Toi Ōtautahi about his work and creative practice…
How would you describe what you do?
I do a range of things. My most creative pursuits relate to writing which is why I wanted to get space at Toi Auaha – I want to finish my first novel and I’m trying to dedicate more time to it, that’s my passion. It is a long project that I don’t really get a lot of financial reward for, but it is my passion. I also do a lot of historical research and Māori language translation. But I’ve found that the more creative and interesting work you do is often the least financially rewarding!
What was your most recent project?
I just wrote and published a book on the Treaty of Waitangi, which is a straight history book. I also worked on a podcast, Te Rauparaha Kei Wareware, which received a Gold award at the New York Radio Awards.
What project have you worked on that you’re most proud of?
I did a book on my ancestor, Te Rauparaha, which was released about four years ago. I was very proud of that and actually, I’m leveraging some of the work in did in that book into my creative work with my novel. I am also pretty proud of the podcast I did which explored similar areas and angles.
What is essential for creatives to have in their lives?
Financial security! It really does help if you’re not constantly worrying about what you’re going to eat or how you’re going to pay the rent. Personally, I also think it’s essential to have regular exercise and sleep which really helps maintain a balance between the physical and intellectual. Walking really helps me, and we’re so lucky her to have so much green space and also the beaches.
What inspires you about Ōtautahi?
I have found it a good place to write. I like the fact that it doesn’t feel like a busy city – mentally it feels spacious. We moved back to Christchurch 18 months ago from Wellington and I find the cost of living and the spaciousness much better. There’s also an amazing community of creatives here. It’s one of the things I’m really enjoying about the studio at Toi Auaha – having so many creative people so close to each other is really good.
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?
Not to be weighed down by your own self-limitation. Give yourself permission to just do your thing. What helps me is to tell people about what I’m doing because it makes it a lot more tangible. I often worked quite secretively but now I make statements like ‘I’m going to finish this novel this year’ and that does help!
What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?
Most people think writing is fun and an easy way to make a living. But it’s like any job – you have to turn up every day and treat it like work. It’s a long process to get any project through to fulfilment, so you really need to show up for it every day, just like any other job.
What Christchurch artists do you most admire?
In the writing space, we have some amazing people. Nic Low is just magnificent. Tina Makereti is another writer who lives here now. I share an office with Lawrence Patchett, who’s great. Of course, my wife, Ariana Tikau, and Juanita Hepi is just a dynamo in the performing arts space.
What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?
Brett Graham pieces on the New Zealand Wars. There was an exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery some time ago and the scale of the work and the messages within them were just amazing. Another work that blew me away was the Mataaho Collective’s immersive installation Takapau at the Venice Biennale. It was in the foyer, and I was captivated by it. It was very moving to know that a Māori artwork had pride of place in the most important art exhibition in the world.
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?
I wish I’d done this work when I was younger. I held myself back by thinking I didn’t have enough life experience. I didn’t realise then that all those years of just trial and error are really important for your work.
What’s your favourite hidden secret in Ōtautahi?
Taylor’s Mistake Beach. It’s a magical place.
Listen to Ross’s Te Rauparaha Kei Wareware podcast here.
You can listen to an interview with Ross at E-Tangata here.