Toi Whakataa Press

Toi Whakataa - to make artistic impression

Toi = Art; Whakataa = to make impression; Press = printmakers collective, independent of any organisation or institution.

Meaning:

The two white koru refer to the rollers of the press with the paper rolling out bleeding over the edge of the logo, this has been overlayed with a handle of a press thus combining the cultural aspect with the technical aspect of our roopu. The colours, slate greys and blues, reference to Taa moko.

Toi Whakataa Press was established in January of 2006, and emerged from a need to identify printmaking as a valid means of Maori artistic expression.
As a result, this Maori Printmakers Collective acts as a basic network for those involved.
Objectives
To support and encourage the maintanence of Maori printmaking through the sharing of knowledge, opportunities and experience.

To initiate and participate in projects that benefit Maori printmaking and our personal print practises.

To act as representatives of Maori Print whenever appropriate and endeavour to maintain, expand and nurture networks with other indigenous artists.

To be aware of our roles as Maori printmakers/ Maori artists and to continually challenge and discuss what that means in a variety of contexts.

Toi Whakataa Press at this point is a fledgling group as a collective that is made up of strong and established individual printmakers that currently include:

Alethea Nathan

Alexis Neal

Anna marie White

Cerisse Palalagi

Chelsea Gough

Faith McManus

Gabrielle Belz

Marty Vreedre

Mike Samuels
Margie Brown
Natalie Couch
Ruth Green Cole
Sam Farquhar
Simon Kaan

Vanessa Edwards

E moe i te wahine ringa raweke -Opening @ Kura Gallery

Sam Farquhar, Vanessa Edwards,

Natalie Couch, Cerisse Palalagi

Sams woodcuts

Vanessa & Arihia Latham Coates

Gaylene Peterson & Natalie Couch

Me

E moe i te wahine ringa raweke

"E moe i te wahine ringa raweke" – Marry the woman with busy hands

an all women Maori printmakers show

featuring new works by:

Natalie Couch

Vanessa Edwards

Sam Farquhar

Ruth Green Cole

Cerisse Palalagi

Exhibition Statement

byVanessa Edwards

"The title was adapted from an old Maori whakatauki that was said to young women when seeking a husband,

“E moe i te tane ringa raupa – marry the man with workers hands.
This exhibition is a visual comment on the many roles and complex lives that maori woman maintain in Te Ao Marama.
Maori women today need to be competent and confident in navigating between the pakeha world and the Maori world, the individual space (self) and the collective space (whanau).
Our art practise is often a private space for the individual to explore personal perspectives and expressions. However the works themselves continue to reference our connection to something bigger than ourselves.
These works illustrate a visual narrative that constantly redefines our roles, our stance and our place in the many contexts we as Maori women negotiate daily."

The exhibition runs from October 27th- November 23rd, 20007

19 Allen Street
Courtenay Quater
t +64 4 802 4934
e : info@kuragallery.co.nz
Gallery hours
Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm
Late night Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm

http://www.kuragallery.co.nz/

Whakawatea - New works on paper

Title: Tūāpā – to clear the way

Cerisse Palalagi

2007 screenprint

Edition 1/1

In celebratiion of Spring/ Summer I have started a series of prints based on the notion of 'Whakawatea'- to clear, free, make way.

I am layering the Fresh green oval shapes over the top of one another, creating a sense of depth, inviting the viewer to take a closer look, and reveal multi layered imagery.

Inspiration has come from Papatuanuku herself, New growth on trees, freshly cut grass and making way for new ideas, new ways of thinking, living, and looking.

I have always wanted to use Maori imagery in my prints, & this has presented me with the opportunity to express my love for Kowhaiwhai and Maori artefacts.

These prints are only part of a larger series I am building up for a 5 women printmakers show called, “E moe i te wahine ringa raweke” – Marry the woman with busy hands.

Artists involved in the show are Vanessa Edwards, Sam Farquhar, Ruth Green Cole, Natalie Couch and myself.

Exhibition dates , opening: Saturday 27th October, 4.30pm

The show will be at Kura Gallery,19 Allen Street
Wellington
Ph: 04 802 4934 Fax: 04 802 4935Email: info@kuragallery.co.nz

Afro comb digital experiments

The top image is actually an animated gif file, and the original is below.

I enjoy finding pictures that I appeal to me on the internet, adding to them or breaking them down to a degree where I feel they are finished.

Today I had a played around with an image of a old antique traditionally made hair comb from the Pacific Islands, and added text that relates to the comb which is 'Afro'.
I placed an effect on the image called 'old film', I just really love that Old school look it gives the image. I chose the old English font for the text because my younger teenage siblings use it alot when they get there clothing 'personalised'. I like the connections associated between the ancient comb, & the text.....a series perhaps?

I'll just keep playing and let these experimental works evolve.

Lavalavas stacked installation

I have been wanting to do something with Lavalava material for a long time & I like how Marie Watt used blankets. However, I want to try this idea using lavlava, except stacked up in a urban environment, eg: Southdown Trainstop.( I'll talk more about this later)

Blanket Stories, by artist Marie Watt

Marie Watt: Blanket Stories: Almanac September 30, 2006 – January 21, 2007 This exhibition features new and recent works by Portland, Oregon, artist Marie Watt. Using symbolic materials such as reclaimed blankets to communicate ideas about her First Nations’ heritage, the artist draws attention to simple everyday items in our lives that are infused with meaning, but are often taken for granted. Inspired by Native American blankets and their history, Watt’s wall-hung fiber works, sculptures and lithographs explore cultural identity by combining the ancient form of blanket making with the aesthetic of 20th century modern painting. Her fiber and bronze sculptures investigate cultural connections, from a personal as well as a universal perspective.

Marie Watt Blanket Stack Lewis and Clark, 2003 floor-to-ceiling folded and stacked blankets, with reclaimed red cedar bases Collection of the Artist