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Ipu Kākano and Whakakai

These Ipu Kākano have been crafted as nurturing vessels for taonga to rest. They speak to the intergenerational knowledge carried within and passed through each kākano (seed). The kirikiore whakairo adorning the interior speaks to the bark of the tree from which it came — and to the bark of future trees yet to grow. Each Ipu Kākano holds space for connection, continuity, and future growth.

This collection of whakakai has been created to strengthen our relationship with te taiao. Each piece encourages us to tune in and pay attention to the changing tohu of the ngāhere and the elements — to the signs from each atua that guide and inform us. By noticing what today looks like, we become better able to sense when something is shifting, when awhi, or restoration, might be needed. These whakakai are both adornment and reminder, calling us to stay present and connected to te taiao.

Ngā mihi to curator Te Ara Minhinnick.

earthly delights is a body of work that looks to focus the narrative of clay to the whenua in Aotearoa. It traces the whakapapa of clay, beginning with the realm of Te Kore; an expansive void of potential, through Te Pō; the perpetual darkness, and arriving at Te Ao Mārama, the world of light we experience today. earthly delights was on display at Studio Toi tū, Ponsonby, in November 2023. Some remaining works are available in the webstore.

These works are a variety of nerikomi-inspired projects over the years. These are all hand-built or slip-cast techniques. Nerikomi is a Japanese ceramic technique using different coloured clays which are combined cut and arranged to create a variation of effects and patterns.