Lotus Showcase – Liz McAuliffe

carver and painter of nature’s exquisite objects

"Creating from and with nature has long been a way for me to stay connected to myself and my environment. I see ideas everywhere from the native bush to the vegetable garden."

Since carving her first object – a lotus seed pod – McAuliffe’s work has been grounded in a reverence for nature.

"The lotus pod in particular gives me an almost endless inspiration for carving and has led me to exploring other pods, seeds and native flora"

"Attracted to the plentiful, fertile shapes in nature I take delight in replicating their individual forms. I am constantly researching and adding new works."

Manipulating the minituae of the seed/vessel up into a human scale she invites the viewer to begin an ‘equal’ conversation with the pieces and, by proxy, nature itself.

July 22, 2011April 25, 2015

Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

Opening 11am Saturday 23rd July 2011
The exhibition is open from 23rd July to 18th August 2011.

June 24, 2011April 25, 2015

Wheiao Ao Marama Ao Turoa

Wheiao Ao Marama Ao Turoa … describes a space between the world of darkness and world of light, but is much closer to the unfolding of the world of light – a transitional or liminal space. As spectator, it may describe a journey from the unfamiliar to one of enlightenment and understanding. (Barlow 1991)

Artists’ Brief

To interrogate the traditional separation between spectator and spectacle.

For Mataariki in 2011, our creative metaphor is an exploratory journey into the infinity of ideas that exist within the artistic mind. Each participating artist will be formed by a different thought process, a different set of artistic principles, a different means of expression, a different relationship with the viewer, a different relationship with self … a different space.

However, with different philosophies ascribed I hope the above concept provides you with a context to be able to explore new ideas and new places; to take pleasure in new discoveries; to empathise and be able to step back with our universe expanded to include new galaxies of thought we have encountered.

Heiwari Johnson – Curator

April 30, 2011April 25, 2015

Whenu

Whenu – Pa Te Aroha Weavers

Opened 11am 30th April 2011
The exhibition is open from 30th April to 26th May 2011.

Artists’ Statement

Whenu is the shortened form of whenua – the name for the placenta, which nourishes us before birth; and the earth, which nourishes us after birth.

Whenu aptly names a public community art exhibition held here at the Kohukohu Village Arts Gallery.

Whirinaki is the name used when a bunch of eels roll into a ball using many entries into their underwater cave. A modern translation is that Whirinaki is an entrance place for people of all ages and ethnicities to all boil up together i.e. whakawhirinaki.

This is an exhibition of emerging and established weavers’ works that explore the dynamic relationships between tuakana (elder brothers and sisters) and teina (younger brothers and sisters). A gathering of weavers, from novice through to experienced, all exhibiting alongside each other to present our achievements and personal goals in a woven form.

This exhibition is a celebration of eighteen years of weaving wananga that have been held at Pa Te Aroha Marae in Whirinaki, under the guidance of Mandy Sunlight and other local Hokianga weavers, also with tautoko and support from kuia and kaumatua Molly and the late Arapeta, and more recently Waata Winiata Morunga, Aunty Isie and Papa John Bristow, and Aunty Rau Pickering. The beauty of these wananga is that they allow weavers of all skill levels to come together in a marae setting, to share skills and experiences under the sole purpose of continuing the art of raranga/whatu and its associated knowledge. Being held in Hokianga, this kaupapa allows a diverse group of weavers both young and old to learn from each other. Reinforcing whakapapa and ancestral links, bi-culturalism and kotahitanga/unity. Each weaver represents a whenu, or strand of weaving, and woven together we aim to present an exhibition that not only shows works of a high quality finish, but also allows the process of weaving, and learning to weave, to be seen and appreciated by you, the audience.

Haumie, hui e, taiki e!!