- Who or what inspires your work?
Living my life inspires my mahi. Interpreting my experiences through my art helps to deepen my understanding of the way they influence me. There is an internal integration of the experiences that happens with the reflection that is required to create the work.
- What do you think draws collectors to your art?
Initially the composition and colour intrigue people, then the inherent beauty of the feathers captures them, the delight of which is often only realised upon closer inspection.
- Can you talk us through your creative process?
In simple terms, I glue feathers into patterns. However, the process starts by taking a developed concept and drawing it onto a board – many lines are involved! The layering of feathers may be intuitive or predetermined depending on the piece. I have developed an intimate relationship with feathers over the years and each piece becomes a foundation for future work. Unlike a painter who may be unsure when a painting is complete, it is clear to me – the surface is covered, though more recently I have added details with fine lines of feathers.
- Can you tell us about your success as an artist and a career highlight?
I consider my success to be reflected in the quality relationships and connections that have developed through my mahi. I recently enjoyed having a conversation for the Creative Connections podcast and a highlight that remains was being the only artist to have work commissioned for Ockham Residential’s ‘The Greenhouse’, a new high-end residential apartment build. Four large scale works were created to adorn the elevator walls and another two pieces hang in the foyer. It’s an honour to have my work in this monumental new building in Auckland’s cityscape.
- What can people look forward to in this upcoming show?
This series takes the patterns my work has always comprised of and has stepped them up into new dimensions with optical illusions I hope this Whakapapa series inspires viewers to consider a sense of belonging to their whānau and that it raises awareness of the profound healing benefits of Family Constellations to create ease in those whānau systems.