Finding Balance With Artist Patty Lagera

To begin, Hi! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you like to start your day.

Hello! I’m Patty, I grew up in a tiny suburb amongst the expansive city of Manila, and we moved to New Zealand when I was 18. I’ve always been a crafty little human, and I’ve enjoyed honing these skills in my twenties and discovering even more hobbies to love and explore now that I’m in my thirties. My days usually start with morning pages/journaling as soon as I wake up, I then burry my butt along to a 6:00 am workout - usually high-intensity interval training (Ceremony or Conquer at Les Mills), rhythm cycling at Westward, or yoga, depending on my energy levels for the day. I then head home for my own morning rituals - braving a cold shower, lathering some luscious lotions, preparing myself a delicious cup of morning coffee and the day’s breakfast choice (either chia porridge, a croissant, a protein shake, or all of the above). Then, once I’ve grounded myself, it’s around 8:30 a.m. and I’m ready to take on the day, may it be emails, admin, editing, a client meeting, or some pottery!

You’re a very talented multidisciplinary artist, what drew you to each medium?

I’ve always loved capturing memories — ever since I was a child. I’m a little bit of a hoarder when it comes to sentimental items like birthday cards or Polaroids, so expanding into photography even as a 9-year-old with a Hello Kitty film camera felt natural. I started out as a shy kid, but bringing my camera along allowed me to be observant and intentional. In my teenage years, I’d volunteer at youth groups and would already have my camera handy to capture all of the fun. I loved (and still love) freezing a specific moment in time through my imagery. It has always brought me back to that particular second, and I can still reverberate with the emotions I felt when I took the photo.

Videography and filmmaking became a natural progression for me. Being self-taught, I expanded through moving images and capturing the sounds of laughter, conversations, and ambient sounds through my travels. I believe that experiencing the world through more of my senses, not just sight, allowed me to engrain the memory to heart even deeper. The visceral and immediate effect of watching and hearing a moment through a video enraptured my soul, and I thought, wouldn’t this be a beautiful gift to give to others as well?

The mixture of photography and videography brought opportunities to create some beautiful digital content for brands over social media. Apart from enjoying the gratification of completing a wedding video and sending a photo gallery to my clients, I can now feel excited over getting to know such incredible brands who are so passionate about what they do and partner with them to speak out about their message to my community.

Throughout all of this, writing has always been in the background, and I’ve only just felt brave enough to share my written work with my inner circle, and they’ve encouraged me about the power of my words. Everyone has a voice and a story, and writing reminds me about how congruent our lives really are.

Ceramics has only recently entered my life (2021), and to me, it only started as a fun hobby (add it to the never-ending list, really). It felt like a moving meditation, a humbling yet playful experience, it’s just clay at the end of the day. And then the pandemic hit, and I had to pivot from photo shoots to selling products, so I applied myself further to creating beautiful, playful pieces.

With so many creative pursuits, what fuels your creativity?

Perhaps it’s the crippling fear of boredom and the intrinsic need to achieve excellently in all that I do. Haha, but seriously, I’ve been navigating what my meaning and purpose in this short life could be, and while I haven’t narrowed it down to a specific thing, I know it’s centred around joy and community. I have been working hard at designing a life that brings me joy and connects me deeper into my community. I am always surrounded by incredibly inspiring humans, and I crave deep human connection to my core. The foundational energy I put into all the creative pursuits is joy: because there are too many things in life that are beautiful and magical and we usually tend to forget.

Honestly, it’s the depth of the human experience that fuels me. We are such resilient beings, full of unadulterated stories, and it’s these moments that spark my creativity. Whether it be pain from a heartbreak, bubbles & brunch with the gals, or seeing the ever-changing colours of a sunset, or a simple cuddle with a sausage dog, these moments keep me pursuing my passions.

Fashion is also a form of creative self-expression, can you talk us through your personal style?

I absolutely agree! For me, comfort is key. I always try and wear something linen, something ethically made (or hunted from an op-shop/secondhand) or lately, I’ve been sporting some recycled fabrics, too!

Ever since I was little, I loved a crop top. In the warmer months, you can find me in a cropped linen shirt, perhaps even a wrap top, matched with a funky mini skirt or shorts. I also love slapping on an oversized dress (I love Standard Issue dresses) over my bikini or my go-to Videris lingerie.

For location scouting or running errands, some wide-legged pants and a breezy top are my essentials! I found these funky pants in an op-shop for $8, and I simply live in my cotton tulle top, and of course, an ultra-comfy pair of Teva on my feet.

I’d say my personal style is a confusing yet alluring blend of sexy, comfortable, and playful.

On those busy shoot days, what's your go-to outfit to make you feel comfortable and confident?

When I’m in professional-client meeting mode or working on a photo shoot, I do love to incorporate more formal-looking pants — I have a few pairs of high-waisted pants like these (and yes, in various colours) — and a clean yet fun top. Yes, professional, but also keep the personality, I say. I usually pair it with a blazer if I need extra warmth for the day! To top it all off, the pants are a bit longer in length, and underneath it are my favourite Teva Midforms— still looking all snazzy and sharp.

I also love Rachel Mill’s Merino bodysuit + my Acne Studio wool pants during winter shoots.

It's evident that yoga and movement, in general, are also very core to your well-being. Can you talk us through how movement supports your balance?

I’ve always attempted to fuse movement into my daily rituals since I know the immense benefits it can bring to my busy work day. Knowing that I’ve moved my body and broke a sweat (more like drenched in sweat) gives me a sense of accomplishment, and it’s not even 7 in the morning. It simply sets me up for a wonderful day. The endorphins absolutely shift my mindset, and keeping myself challenged with how strong/flexible/present I can be, always motivates me to wake up early and move my body.

With sitting in front of a computer for most of the day, or hunching over my pottery wheel, I need the movement and the stretches. With all of the camera gear that I operate and carry, I know that I’ve needed to build up my strength and stamina to last 8 to 12 hours of shooting some days! Not only is it beneficial for my capacity to work, but it also aids in alleviating the mental strain of managing a few businesses. It’s both challenging and invigorating at the same time. 

You live a very full and busy life, how do you maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent burnout?

I learnt the hard way! I spent years shooting back-to-back weddings, weekends pouring all my energy into my work, and not resting enough. I always came out exhausted and burnt out. My relationships and friendships took the backburner and I prioritised myself last. Now, I live by my morning rituals and movement practise — these are non-negotiable. Rest and self-care have been the newest additions, and it’s revolutionized everything. I always thought doing more was the secret, but it’s actually allocating the necessary time for myself, may it be alone time, simply sitting and reading something easy and light, allowing myself an ocean swim or a brunch date with a friend, and spending time with people who energise and inspire me.

When my body feels overworked, I opt for yoga or a gentle walk. I’ve also recently been obsessed over contrast therapy (sauna + ice baths) so that’s a little treat when the body and soul need it. When my mind feels the daily slump, amongst the joys of chores at home and making a matcha latte, I try and go for a run if the sun is out (any running tips - come at me!) or change to my standing desk or pop out and edit in a vibrant cafe.

Mostly, it’s self-motivation, but my intensive Google Calendar is spread out to block time for focused work, personal and social time, and fitness.

And obviously the essentials: stay hydrated, eat healthy food, keep up the protein intake, and practise the inner talk to be inspirational and positive!

Where have you found yourself wearing your Tevas and how do they fit into your lifestyle? 

Literally always; anywhere, and everywhere!

I’ve just returned from a trip to Europe, and I always had my Tevas on, including the Cinque Terre hike along three of the five cities!

They’re incredibly supportive, and comfortable, and fit into my personal style exceptionally well, so it’s easy for me to style. When I’m out doing quick errands, they’re formidably effortless to strap into. I genuinely wear them from start to finish on my shoot days, and I come home feeling refreshed whereas my previous shoes would make my back and whole body so sore!

I’m actually just about to head into the pottery studio to fire some mugs, and I’m about to get into my Tevas because I’m not afraid to wear them into messy, muddy locations, as I know they’re also very versatile and don’t wear out easily. I have two favourite pairs that I cycle through, depending on my colour scheme for the day, and I know for a fact they will last me ages, even with their daily use.

Follow Patty on instagram @pattyinplaces