Dominique Baker
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Ko tenei tāku Pēpeha ki te taha o Tōku Māma
Ko Turoto ko Puketapu Ōku Maunga, Ko Waiaruhe Tōku Awa, Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua Tōku Waka, Ko Nukutawhiti Tōku Rangatira, Ko Taitokerau Tōku Rohe, Ko Ngāpuhi Tōku Iwi, Ko Ngātirangi Tōku Hapū, Ko Taiamai Tōku Takiwā, Ko Ngāwhā Tōku Marae, Ko E Koro Kia Tutuki Tōku Whare Tūpuna.
Ko Turoto ko Puketapu Ōku Maunga, Ko Waiaruhe Tōku Awa, Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua Tōku Waka, Ko Nukutawhiti Tōku Rangatira, Ko Taitokerau Tōku Rohe, Ko Ngāpuhi Tōku Iwi, Ko Ngātirangi Tōku Hapū, Ko Taiamai Tōku Takiwā, Ko Ngāwhā Tōku Marae, Ko E Koro Kia Tutuki Tōku Whare Tūpuna.
Dominique Baker - Artist Profile
Dominique Baker is a painter, carver and print-maker, born and raised on the North Shore of Auckland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Auckland University of Technology in 2008. Baker is of Japanese, Māori and European heritage, which has greatly influenced her practice. Her work is informed by street art and exploring a range of methods of making, resulting in visually intricate paintings. Baker's works were chosen to adorn Sir Paul McCartney’s room on his recent tour to New Zealand. She participates regularly in local art shows and has available pieces at Endemicworld in Ponsonby, Auckland and Artbay Gallery in Queenstown. Baker has collectors who commission her work locally and internationally.
Artist Statement
HUTIA TE RITO TE HARAKEKE, KEI WHEA TE KŌMAKO E KŌ?
KĪ MAI KI AHAU;
HE AHA TE MEA NUI O TĒNEI AO?
MĀKU E KĪ ATU,
HE TĀNGATA, HE TĀNGATA, HE TĀNGATA
MAURI ORA KI A TĀTOU!
If you remove the heart of the flax bush
From where will the Bellbird sing?
If you say to me
What is the most important thing in this world
I will reply to you
It is people, it is people, it is people!
Good health to all!
I love Aotearoa/New Zealand, and my carved paintings aim to exhibit elements of the heritage and cultures that shape me as a New Zealander. My pieces can be recognised as art works belonging to Aotearoa, that embody a wairua or 'feeling' from the Pacific. My art reflects a connection to Asia, as can be seen in the idealised geisha and samurai warrior. But more importantly, my artwork aims to exhibit my journey of identity through Māori art and culture.
Wooden panel frames are firstly prepared as the support for my works. With the use of clear gesso and shellac varnish, these mediums begin to shape and form my figures. To lay the foundations of the painting, acrylic paint is then applied. These mediums subtly represent the colonial influence of our history. Finally, Japanese steel chisels are used to carve the intricate detailings, such as feathers of korowai (cloak) and kōwhaiwhai (Māori motif) seen on tukutuku panels, flowers, hair highlights, weaving, taaniko patterns, and bird feathers. This form of carving or etching, suggests a connection to the Māori art form of whakairo.
Like taonga that enrich the environment of their placement, my works aim to enrich the homes and lives of those who care for and resonate with them. Through my art, I am conscious of honouring, respecting and raising the mana of mātauranga Māori (wisdom). Figures are represented in respectful postures when juxtaposed with traditional Māori taonga (precious object). My paintings are taonga tuku iho. They embody my culture and heritage and are a treasure to be passed on.
KĪ MAI KI AHAU;
HE AHA TE MEA NUI O TĒNEI AO?
MĀKU E KĪ ATU,
HE TĀNGATA, HE TĀNGATA, HE TĀNGATA
MAURI ORA KI A TĀTOU!
If you remove the heart of the flax bush
From where will the Bellbird sing?
If you say to me
What is the most important thing in this world
I will reply to you
It is people, it is people, it is people!
Good health to all!
I love Aotearoa/New Zealand, and my carved paintings aim to exhibit elements of the heritage and cultures that shape me as a New Zealander. My pieces can be recognised as art works belonging to Aotearoa, that embody a wairua or 'feeling' from the Pacific. My art reflects a connection to Asia, as can be seen in the idealised geisha and samurai warrior. But more importantly, my artwork aims to exhibit my journey of identity through Māori art and culture.
Wooden panel frames are firstly prepared as the support for my works. With the use of clear gesso and shellac varnish, these mediums begin to shape and form my figures. To lay the foundations of the painting, acrylic paint is then applied. These mediums subtly represent the colonial influence of our history. Finally, Japanese steel chisels are used to carve the intricate detailings, such as feathers of korowai (cloak) and kōwhaiwhai (Māori motif) seen on tukutuku panels, flowers, hair highlights, weaving, taaniko patterns, and bird feathers. This form of carving or etching, suggests a connection to the Māori art form of whakairo.
Like taonga that enrich the environment of their placement, my works aim to enrich the homes and lives of those who care for and resonate with them. Through my art, I am conscious of honouring, respecting and raising the mana of mātauranga Māori (wisdom). Figures are represented in respectful postures when juxtaposed with traditional Māori taonga (precious object). My paintings are taonga tuku iho. They embody my culture and heritage and are a treasure to be passed on.
