Kazimierz Strankowski, known as Kaz, believes being a loner has helped his photography. ''I've realised that being an outsider is an asset although I thought I craved the approval of my peers when I was growing up,'' says the Mt Eden artist. ''Now, I don't really care.'' Kaz is chuffed to be exhibiting in the Auckland Art Fair where he will show one of his photographic works, La Tourette, based on the Convent of La Tourette, designed by the architect Le Corbusier in France and built in 1960. The Auckland Art Fair brings contemporary artworks from 35 leading Australasian galleries together. Kaz, formerly a graphic designer, admits he now makes half his former salary, but says he realised he needed a change after six years of working in the business. In 2005, during his bachelor of design studies at Auckland University of Technology, he realised his calling. A photography class in the course helped make up his mind. ''I realised what I wanted to do. ''In retrospect, I suppose I finally connected the dots. I used to love looking through National Geographic and had fantasised about the lifestyle of the photographer since I was in a teenager.'' The 30-year-old says he hopes to get into sculpting next. ''My philosophy is that you have to please yourself and be true to yourself. Basically, I like what I do and I do what I like and it's paid off.''
Auckland Art Fair, Marine Events Centre, Viaduct Harbour, May 18-20. Details see www.aucklandartfair.co.nz Tickets: Ticketek, ph 307 5000 or see www.ticketek.co.nz.
By Sharu Delilkan
Focused view leads to career switch
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