Creative ID: 528
Rotorua
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I became a specialist Pounamu carver in 2003. My work is defined by traditional art forms, and extends into domains that I find satisfies contemporary sculpture and adornment. I am a highly skilled artist, fluent in traditional Māori style, and have studied, worked and exhibited in China, under various master carvers and am accomplished in different Chinese art forms. I also have other carvers at my company that are capable of teaching students whakairo. Links to biographies available on request.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
After becoming a master carver, I opened my own gallery and store which now has two locations in Rotorua and Mt Maunganui. Both stores have a carving workshop which is where we hold the 'Make your own taonga' workshops. We have done these workshops in the past with children and adults. I am fluent in traditional Māori style, and have also studied, worked and exhibited in China, under various master carvers and am accomplished in different Chinese art forms. Constantly pushing my creativity and technical ability, I produce work that is innovative, unique and impressively complex. My colleague trained for 3 years at Te Puia learning whakairo, and has spent the last three years working with me.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
We have held "Make your own taonga" workshops in both our Mt Maunganui and Rotorua stores with children 12 years old and over. We can accommodate 10 students at a time in each workshop. These workshops have been popular in the past as students gain hands-on learning with experienced carvers and learn about a cultural art form. We have taught people of all ages how to carve, from the elderly to students around 12 years old; we have also trained other professional carvers.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
As leaders in the industry, we want to develop steps to encourage our younger generation to learn whakairo and carry on this knowledge. We want to help preserve the art form and inspire young New Zealander's to do the same. We also want to encourage those interested to take part in the international cultural exchange for carvers between China and New Zealand. This exchange is very valuable for New Zealand carvers as the jade carving industry in China is the biggest in the world. This exchange teaches carvers other cultures traditions of carving.