Acrylic on board, A1

‘Kahukura me te Kupenga’ tells the story of Kahukura and the net, a pūrākau from Doubtless Bay, Te Tai Tokerau. In this pūrākau, a fair skinned chief, Kahukura, learnt the art of net making from the patupaiarehe/tūrehu. He was able to disguise himself amongst them because of their shared fair skin and small stature. Kahukura watched as the patupaiarehe fished with their kupenga, he began to unravel the net and watched as they repaired it, learning the art. The origin of kupenga in Aotearoa is often attributed to the patupaiarehe.

The pattern inside the takarangi is a variation of mata kupenga, symbolising the net in the pūrākau.

Acrylic on board, 1500 mm x 1000 mm.

‘Hineahuone’ is based on the Atua wahine, Hineahuone (earth-formed woman). She was the first woman and the beginning of humankind, made from the red clay of Papatūānuku at Kurawaka and brought to life by Tāne.

Hue, acrylic.

These hue kaitiaki acts as guardians for your space, to ward off negative energy and bring protection.

Limited edition gicleé print, A2.

The story behind the piece centres around Tāwhaki on his ascent to Ngā Rangi Tūhāhā (the celestial heavens), with Matakarepō / Whaitiri / Hine-nui-te-Pō guiding him from below. The Mother, Matariki, sits above him lighting the way. 

Matariki is one of the most ancient Atua, she is the mother, her daughters are; Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipunarangi, Ururangi, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Together they form the Matariki constellation.

At the beginning of the year, the lines of stars that form Matariki-Tautoru-Takurua, create an inclined staircase (Te Ara Poutama). The poutama pattern represents Tāwhaki’s ascent in pursuit of higher knowledge and wisdom. At the end of the year, these stars set in the west, following the same line. This is the pathway to Rarohenga. 

Acrylic on board, A1.

‘Whiro’ is based on the Atua, Whiro (Whirotetipua). He is one of the sons of Rangi and Papa, and is often referred to as the Atua of darkness. He has a strong connection to lizards as they are considered his representation on earth. A misunderstood Atua, as he wasn’t considered ‘evil’ in pre-european times, but rather the Atua of transformation. Whiro is the new moon cycle in the maramataka, a time for rest, reflection and new beginnings.

Acrylic on board, A1.

‘Whakatupu’ is a representation of growth, love and the journey through life, with a nod to Rangi and Papa.

Acrylic on board, A1.

My whakaaro around this piece was the idea of connection, and how that speaks to love and also to whakapapa. ‘Tauhere’ translates to link/connection/tie.

Acrylic on board, A1.

‘Tokerau’ is inspired by northern manaia forms, specifically from an old carving from Doubtless Bay, near Whangaroa, where I am from. One origin of the name Te Tai Tokerau, talks about the tides of many/plentiful pūrātoke (glow worms/phosphorescence).

‘Patupaiarehe’ is inspired by the pūrākau of Kahukura and the Net, a story from Doubtless Bay in Te Tai Tokerau.

Acrylic on board, A1.

‘Te Kaitiaki’ is inspired by old manaia forms found in early Māori paintings and carvings. This piece was made with the intention of being a kaitiaki (guardian) to your space, the eyes throughout are also referencing evil eye symbolism from Greek mythology, which are believed to ward off negative energy.

Acrylic on board.

Taurite translates to balance.

Acrylic on board.

Acrylic on board.

Acrylic on board, A1.

Kōwhaiwhai study.

Acrylic on board, A1.

Pūhoro study.

Acrylic on paper.

Pūhoro study.

Acrylic on board.

Pūhoro study.

Acrylic on board.

Pūhoro study.

Harekeke/kōrari, rau pīwakawaka, muka

Harekeke/kōrari

Harekeke/kōrari

Harekeke/kōrari, muka, pāua

Harekeke/kōrari, dye

Harekeke/kōrari, dye