Alexandra, in Central Otago is where Tony's story began, and over the years he has spent a lot of time travelling across Aotearoa. However, wherever he ends up, the feeling of home goes with him, kept close in his heart. These days, he travels light, in a custom fitted-out van, with his special furry companion and friend, BoBo. Tony and Bobo wake up each morning and have the freedom to decide where the road ahead might take them on that day. This is a freedom many dream about, but few can do.

As I listened to Tony, it was apparent that he truly embraces a willingness to follow his own path with a spirit that is both naturally restless, and creative. There was, however, a period where family grounded him, as he raised three sons for a number of years. Raising a family gave him a purpose to stay grounded, work to provide for his family, and divert his energy towards being a father.

Tony mentioned that he found himself drawn back on the road after raising his sons. And that’s what he has done, preferring a lifestyle that values meaningful experiences over physical possessions, and the unpredictability of the universe, over daily routine.

An artist, signwriter, father, storyteller, busker, traveller, these are just a few ways to describe him. Together these labels start to paint a colourful and vivid picture of his authenticity. Across New Zealand, Tony creates large-scale beach artworks, bright chalk drawings, and spontaneous public art. These can be temporary in nature, and disappear with an incoming tide, rain, or the wind. The temporary nature of his art is part of the appeal for him. For Tony, the value of art lies in appreciating the present moment, rather than in how long that art should last.  

It came across easily that Tony has a strong belief that life is meant to be lived fully in the moment, rather than postponed with too many plans. Tony speaks about creating art and following his own dreams rather than just thinking about it, without action. He can be drawing on a footpath for eight hours straight, or deciding to turn left instead of right at a road junction. But whatever the choice, Tony approaches life with an open heart and trusts that the universe will deliver the next opportunity precisely when it is meant to arrive.

Tony also describes himself as someone who constantly reinvents himself. Every chapter of his life has looked different so far, from signwriting and running a business, to life on the road as a full-time artist. However, rather than seeing change as something that should be feared, Tony sees it as part of the great adventure of life.

Looking ahead, he hopes to spend more time creating ambitious environmental artworks, reaching wider audiences through various social platforms, and to continue sharing his creativity with people across the country. Quite important to Tony is the need to keep living life on his own terms, while experiencing meaningful journeys, and meeting amazing people along the way.

Tony’s portrait was captured in the Botanical Gardens in Dunedin where we were lucky enough to connect, and in the city that formed an important chapter of his story. I asked Tony how he hoped people would remember him.

"I hope they'll smile and go, I remember him, he was a good bastard."