From an early age I have always been interested in Art.
In college I began craving with friends. I was fascinated with Maori carving and how a story can be portrayed within carving itself-telling the tale of an individual’s ancestors.
I have found support within my family for my Art making. An uncle who is a master carver gifted me a set of chisels, and he influenced my decision to continue with my art. As did the input of an Aunty who introduced me to clay, another medium I find very exciting to work in.
I attended Whitireia Polytech with a desire to learn from Owen Mapp, one of New Zealand’s foremost bone and Net carvers. Under his guidance I have learnt to make my own carving tools as well as shape bone using chisels. I also attend the Mix space where my tutors have encouraged me further-moving into opening and running a stall where I can sell my work to local markets.
Since coming to The Learning Connexion, the knowledge that the tutors have given me has helped my Art to improve in both its clarity and complexity.
Having focussed on smaller works in clay, bone and metals, my next challenge is to produce work in a larger scale.
Education and Experiance
The Learning Connexion, 2013 – present
Max Art space, 2009 – present
Whitireia Polytech, 1999- 2000
Whitireia Polytech, 1998, 6 months carving course with Rangi Hettet