I haven't updated my blog in a while and a bit has changed with my art since my last post.
Back in August I was lucky enough to attend a workshop held by NZ Artists Flox and Michel Tuffery. I was also lucky enough to share in the experience with a super talented friend of mine Rini Rizal Design.

Day 1 - Flox took us through her stencil process from cutting out each stencil and explaining the differences between the layers.  Day 2 - Michel Tuffery took us through his print blocking technique with MDF board and I have to say this was my first time using chisels to make a wood block design and I loved it!
We then got to combine the two disciplines into one artwork and I was quite stoked with the end result.
Pictures by Rini Rizal Design.

Photos from the Shoremakings Studio tonight 04/08

I'm working on a new series at the moment exploring colour. With colours inspired from the feathers of a Tui.
Not too sure how this will pan out but enjoying dusting off the brushes and getting back in to my practice.
My little studio has been a bit too chilly with Winter and all but loving the new space and desk made by the Huzzy. 

Ever since 2003 when I first started studying at A.U.T, I have had the privilege of being mentored by one of the most highly regarded leaders of Ngai Tūhoe - Chaz Doherty.  Each time we visit Chaz and his whanau in Te Ureweras we are reminded of the values and philosophy of tikanga Māori. This time when we visited, I truly understood what it means to have these values and philosophies immortalized in the form of tā moko.

Artist Satement
This work explores the beauty of Maori culture. The figures you see are joined together in hongi, the traditional way for tangata whenua (local people) to greet manuhiri (visitors). The hongi is a symbolic reference to the first breath of life that was issued to Hineahuone (the female element who comes from the soil) by the Guardians and shows the coming together of the two groups to be united as one.

Just a little sneak preview of my drawing process for the exhibition :P Got a good feeling about this one!