Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Awa, Whānau A Apanui, Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau and Ngāi Tahu.
The Work
Tiki series( for all pieces) 2018. Pounamu – Two are Siberian Jade( light coloured jade)
Tiki forms are an expression of human characteristics, everyone is individual just the rōpū performing in Te Matatini, no two groups are the same just like the Tiki form.
The Medium
Pounamu and Jade is one of the most demanding materials to carve, each stone has its on character, its own strengths and weaknesses. It is a challenge for the carver to “release” the form to create something to the materials best ability and acknowledge the mana of the pounamu
The Inspiration
My practice is inspired from works created from our ancestors, these taonga were mastered so I feel privileged to be influenced by them to acknowledge them but to let my work evolve develop and change to exist in today’s society.
The Art – what does this mean to the Artist?
Identity, we are always influenced by different environments and artists from across the globe as long as our work doesn’t lose its identity and we are always challenging our selves our art will always flourish.
Contact the Artist
rakaijade@gmail.com