18 May 07 Well that's what Concept Artist Robert Baldwin would have you believe. That and living three minutes away from the beach had Rob come to Weta Workshop...

Although Robert had spent most of his creative career creating commercial sculptures, props and painting scenes for videos and public spaces in the UK, it was the appeal of living five minutes away from the beach that convinced him to make the move to New Zealand three years ago.

That, and getting his hands dirty with a little ape named King Kong. Within a few weeks of sending in his portfolio to Weta Workshop, Robert was on a plane to Wellington to help sculpt the design maquettes for King Kong.

?For such a small population, it?s amazing how creative and innovative this place really is?, he says. ?Weta is a natural distillation of those elements. When the opportunity arose to join the team I was elated as an artist to work alongside people at such a high level in each discipline, sculpture, casting, make up, design and so on. I couldn?t imagine a more fertile place for an artist interested in film and fantasy to be at!?

So when King Kong wrapped up, Robert wasn?t about to hop on a plane back to the UK. Instead, he taught himself how to use 2D and 3D applications in his spare time to expand his skill base. ?I have always been intrigued to push my creative boundaries and feel extremely excited by current developments in digital creativity especially 3D modelling?, he says.

And sure enough, it was only a matter of months before he was asked to continue his studies in the Design department ? but this time, getting paid for it, and creating concept artwork for a confidential project. ?Every year the scope to unleash your creativity grows exponentially larger?, he says. ?The opportunity to continue growing and learning as an artist here at Weta is just awesome.?

View Rob's work and read more about his colleagues at www.wetaworkshop.co.nz.