A commission I have been working on in the last few weeks.
Paper collage on wood, 45 cm diameter.
Two Collage your Xmas Cards events are coming up this week: Tomorrow, Tuesday, at Grey Lynn Library pop in anytime between 2 and 5pm. And on Thursday Studio One Toi Tū 238 Krd, pop in anytime between 5 and 8pm. Both events are kindly supported by Studio One Toi Tū and are free. Suitable for all ages. Make a unique and personalized card for your loved ones this Xmas from upcycled materials.
Join me at the Grey Lynn Library next Tuesday to Collage your Xmas cards – FREE EVENT for all ages.
Pop in anytime between 2 and 5 pm to create personal collaged cards for your loved ones.
All materials are provided, but you can bring anything you’d like to collage with from home too 
Kindly hosted by Studio One Toi Tū
My collage of Merata Mita is now on display at the Sidewalk Gallery at Studio One Toi Tu, Ponsonby, Auckland.
She’s there for the next two weeks; pop over anytime, day or night.
Meet the artist on Saturday 8 Oct 1-3 pm. I would love to see you there.
Artist Statment: The work of pioneering filmmaker Merata Mita is pivotal to a global movement of indigenous cinematography and marks a significant chapter in Aotearoa’s history. Mita was the first filmmaker to reflect a Māori identity on screen. She also contributed to mana wahine by discussing Māori women’s position in the arts in New Zealand. Her work has influenced indigenous filmmakers worldwide.
After viewing the documentary, “Merata, How Mum Decolonized The Screen,” I felt touched and inspired by her story and wanted to shine more light on her lifework and legacy.
This work is my tribute to and celebration of Mita. She is placed in the space between Papatūānuku, and Ranginui, surrounded by indigenous art from Aotearoa, the Pacific, and America, projecting her vision for indigenous filmography.
As I created this collage from hundreds of paper cuttings, I reflected on Merata as a Warrior, Activist, Feminist, Filmmaker, Mother, her courage, and her ahead-of-her-time vision.
Many thanks for the vital advice from Kathryn Graham and the kind support from Hepi Mita.
Thank you to everyone who made it to the Warrior Women exhibition opening. Thank you to my fellow artists for your inspiring creations, and a massive thanks to Sammy, The Upstairs Gallery’s director, and curator, for being the vision and the force behind this project.
The exhibition is on till Aug 21, and there is also a sale of fantastic artists’ merch in the gallery.
Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, Titirangi.
Gallery hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm
I’m delighted to have been invited to join this group exhibition at the Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, Titirangi. As many of you know, I’m passionate about promoting and highlighting powerful and inspirational women. I feel blessed to be working with such an impressive lineup of talent!
Come and join us for this fantastic exhibition and celebration of Warrior Women!
WARRIOR WOMEN – OPENS 29 JULY 2022 – 6PM.
School Holiday News: Children’s Collage Workshops are coming up next week at the @upstairsart gallery, Titirangi.
I’ll be running three one-day children’s workshops for children aged 7 to 17.
The children will create their very own self-portrait with paper collage.
WHERE: Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, Titirangi.
WHEN: Choose a day: Tuesday 19 July, Wednesday 20 July or Thursday 21 July
TIME: 10:30am – 1:30pm
COST: $10 per child
Hours of Fun !!!!
Spaces are limited, so book in now by emailing Sammy gallery@upstairs.org.nz or pop into the gallery.
A collaboration with Manawaka Ao, A kick-arse women of colour network in Aotearoa. Manawaka Ao mission is to strengthen collaboration and authentic engagement of women across our ethnic communities of colour, and with Tangata Whenua with Mana.
We had 2 one-day collage workshops , in Manawaka Ao’s words: “As women of colour, holding space together, sharing how our whakapapa lines came to be here in Aotearoa. Shared histories and stories that cross over and connect and connect to the Whenua (land) here and far away. Sitting in the bodies of our ancestors and knowing that the impossible is possible. ”
Coming up in June: a collaboration with Manawaka Ao, a network of kick-arse women of colour in Aotearoa. Two collage workshops will take place in Avondale, or you can also join us on Zoom if you cannot make it in person. These sessions are about self-nourishment, free flow creativity, and connection in a safe space. Thanks to the wonderful Ara Manawaka Ao, this workshop is offered at a reduced cost. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. So treat yourself to a Sunday of soul care. Places are limited – be quick. 2 dates to choose from: Sunday 19th June and Sunday 26th June – 10am to 2pm. For enrollments click on this link https://bit.ly/3t7wPiR .