Exploring his creative spirit

Luke Anderson, 29, describes himself as a film-maker of sorts, and a creative explorer.

He is also a technician at Massey University's English and Media Studies department, he tells Karoline Tuckey.

He is working on his first documentary about local playwright Angie Farrow's recently staged play Before the Birds, is in love, and will graduate in November with a Bachelor of Communications in Expressive Art and Journalism.

What's your hidden talent?

I can wiggle my ears in much the same way as I can wiggle other parts of my body, reasonably independently.

What's your foolproof home-cooked meal?

Baked salmon, in puff pastry or on its own, with new potatoes in real butter with fresh chives and parsley, and a mesclun salad with homemade vinaigrette, or a potato galette with olives and chorizo.

What are you working on at the moment?

My contribution to Te Papa's Refugee Youth project; the talented local band Journey's album release DVD; my first documentary – I'm basically in post-production, which takes the longest amount of time, although I do have a couple of interviews left to shoot. In the unlikely event that I get a good six-week block solely to work on it, I should complete a rough cut with a further fortnight to fine-tune.

If you could take anyone out to dinner, who would it be?

Amanda McRaven.

What happened at the last party that you went to?

I danced the night away in leather pants and a beat-up felt hat. Happy 21st, Rhian Firmin, you're a star and a truly talented actor. You will go far.

What do you like about Palmerston North?

The people.

Tell us about your favourite holiday ...

Sunbathing on the back lawn. An impromptu decision to escape, just for one night. The cutest little cabin by the sea at Castlepoint. Sunset. Sleeping out under the stars for a while, the sound and smell of the ocean. Sunrise with the woman I love. And: the top of Stromboli Island at night. Watching the lava plume and splatter while the volcano's own atmospheric influence generated three separate lightening displays simultaneously over the surrounding Mediterranean.

What's your most embarrassing childhood memory?

There are so many. The earliest one I can remember right now is crying in despair and anger for losing my way to a friend's birthday party in Wellington when I was about seven. I had to go home with stained cheeks when I was so proud of the fact that I knew the way and could get there myself. Stink!

Jelly Tip or FruJu, and why?

FruJu, refreshing.

Palmerston North could do with more ...

Committed cohesion of artistic individuals, groups, and communities with the collaborative vision of being the absolute best we can be. So we can bring the world to our doorstep for a taste. Local support for this vision. We have amazing artists and artistic groups here. But there seems to be little connection between them and little exposure to wider audiences. I think some sort of permanent community-supported forum for all arts could achieve a lot.

What's your idea of romance?

You and me by an open fire. Writing you a letter (remember those? Magical things ... ) every day until I am in your beautiful presence once again. Flying halfway around the world to be with you so very, very soon. The eternity of a single, soft kiss.

What's your word or phrase of the moment?

Just be.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Some crazy Celtic salsa, didgeridoo, and good ol' Kiwi soul-soothing dub.

What are you reading?

The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods, by Charles McRaven.

What are your future aspirations?

Many, varied, and ever-embracing of change and discovery. One thing I'd love to build is an artists' enclave and retreat somewhere in the bush nearby.

What are your plans in the next couple of months?

To fly half way around the world and be with the woman I love. We will meet in Las Vegas on my 30th birthday.

- © Fairfax NZ News