Highlight my strengths and my weaknesses will disappear.

Earthenware clay body, Earth, kōkōwai, kerewhenua from Taitokerau, Aotea and Coromandel, Stains, engobe, bronze glaze.

An interactive piece, the hairpieces are removable kōauau-like flutes called “rehu”, these taonga pūoro (musical instruments) create soft sounds that are manipulated with slight movements of tongue and lips. Two of the three have finger-holes, known as wenewene adding extra unique tones. Kōauau and Rehu can be used for entertainment, in earlier times they played a key role in healing, grieving and to ease pain.

The flute shape is a reference to the body and wing shape of the Tarakihi (cicada) of whom can spend many years embraced in Papatūānuku, the earth and Hineukurangi.

Exploring the depths of ihi, wehi and wana. through the form of Hineukurangi (clay deity)

The words; ihi, wehi and wana spill across the korowai of Wana.

They note a process of creation unfolding and gathering thoughts about my personal connection to Wana.

“Traditional forms of performance — karanga, wero, haka, whaikorero and waiata — connect the living to the spirit realm and invoke emotions, known as ‘te ihi’, ‘te wehi’ and ‘te wana’. The late Wharehuia Milroy explained ihi as a kind of vibration that swells up from your core, compelling you to act; wehi as a connection with atuatanga, a spiritual or god-like state; and wana as a feeling that rises up within you as a result of an action performed by someone else. These qualities also apply to contemporary Māori performance.“

An excerpt from the National Library Wellington - Pūkana exhibition archives.

Approx. 84cm x 40cm

You can remove the visual but the vibration remains steadfast.

Earthenware clay body, Earth, kōkōwai woodfired in Tokomaru bay.

Hine Rū is a deity of seismic activity, moving and rolling earth.

A creation inspired by Colleen Waata-Urlich her work and marae in Kaipara.

Approx: 87cm X 30cm

Created from a sculpture body clay and washed in an earth slip sourced from earth of Kai Iwi lakes the north, Kuaotunu and Driving Creek Railway, Coromandel and waters collected from a waterfall my father used to collect water from, in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi, an encouraging light for those to look up, move ahead and prosper.

The mokomoko is a kaitiaki of mine. His presence is mischievous and curious. Seek out new knowledge.

My handprints are a reminder to stay true to yourself and acknowledge the many hands that assisted your journey of where you are today. Development, evolution, mastery and generosity.

Approx. 85cm x 32cm x 23cm

Private Collection of the Quartz Museum, Whanganui

A mother and child, cloak adorned with the poutama.

Poutama, after the tukutuku (lattice panel) design depicting the ascend attaining knowledge

Stoneware clay body, Earth, woodfired in Tokomaru bay.

Approx: 104cm X 36cm

Ever hear of the saying “Jack of all trades?” Did you know there was more?

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

After watching a Ted Talk by Emilie Wapnick “Why some of us don’t have one true calling” I was inspired to interpret my thoughts into clay.

Multipotentialite is about being talented in many areas.

Often at times we are educated and pushed towards choosing one passion or talent to follow in our lives or careers.

A Multipotentialite is someone who practices many creative talents.

Created from a raku clay body that was multi-sliced and multi-manipulated during creation.

Meaning: Follow your passion however many you may have

Private Collection

I am

the smoke

the fog

the cloud

the mist

the whirlpool

the rapids

the current

the ocean

I am

Ko Au refers to the journey one takes internally

Photo credit: Tatiana Harper

A whimsical and creative exploration into the imagined alter-egos of my mind.

Model - Delia Woodham

Private Collection

Tautaawhi is an acknowledgement of true support pathways, she refers to the whakapapa line embedded in the backbone. Ancestors flow within.

Private Collection

A whimsical and creative exploration into the imagined alter-egos of my mind.

Model - Delia Woodham

Private Collection of Delia Woodham

Created from a clay body and coated in earthly oxides in 2008

Mahuri is my ancestor from the Ngā Puhi Tribe.

Mahuri created our subtribe, Ngāti Pakau.

The women of my tribe were renowned for their skills in battle and their beauty which they used to get close to other war parties and would strike unexpectedly.

Meaning: The silent skillful female warrior

Private Collection

Created from a sculpture body clay and washed in an earth slip made from clay earth of Ngāti Porouri in the north of Aotearoa, New Zealand

The Crux is adorned with a Kōwhaiwhai pattern (Triangular Pattern) from my ancestors across the head, these refer to the mountains and rivers in which we came from. The manaia figure (Carved figure on head) is the guardian in which we all carry with us. The handprints are a reminder to stay true to yourself. Development, Evolvement and Mastery. Meaning, The Crux is a symbol of your own health and wellbeing. In order to look after another you must first look after yourself, pull things apart, fit them back together and grow from the experience.

Private Collection of Driving Creek Railway

Given as koha at Ngā Kaihanga Uku wananga

A celebration of my daughter, Inca.

Sunshine of my life.

Private collection of Iris Simpkin

Private Collection

Private Collection

Private collection

Sometimes you just have to put the pieces back differently.

Private Collection of Alec Nathan

Adornment

Private Collector