Lissy and Rudi are crocheting joy

Show Notes

Takeaways from this episode:

• Creativity is a spiritual practice.

  For the Coles, making art isn’t just about materials – it’s about connection. Each stitch is guided by karakia, whakapapa and wairua. “We just say a prayer, and say, tupuna, our ancestors, please make a way.”

• Start before you know how.

  Their epic journey began with yarn-bombing fences and crocheting a poppy. The vision for a massive, travelling crochet whare nui came later – and they trusted it would unfold. “We had to pick a date to start. And once we started, there was no going back.”

• Art can be a vessel for healing.

  Crochet, soft materials and colour are powerful tools for breaking down barriers and evoking memory. Their work invites people into sacred spaces of remembrance, transformation and aroha – especially for those disconnected from their own cultural roots.

• Collaboration is both philosophy and practice.

  Lissy and Rudi’s art is a collaboration between each other, their tupuna, and fellow artists. They foster a creative process grounded in trust, openness and joy. “We're not worried about perfection. It's really about the imperfection that makes it so perfect.”

• Dreams are already real – just not here yet.

  They believe our dreams already exist in another realm. Bringing them into this one takes belief, courage, and a willingness to begin. “Dream ridiculously big dreams – and walk in the confidence that they’ve already come to pass.”

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Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the live interview, we shared some images of Lissy and Rudi’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below. Fleur’s course Joyful Embroidery is now open for enrolment.