Artist’s statement
Ruth Port
Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri
Te Rā, the central sun, the divine spark, is a brilliant beacon of hope and warmth, inspiring us to embrace the beauty of each new day.
Its golden rays spill across the horizon, awakening the world, inviting us to dream and create. As Te Rā dances through the sky, painting our landscapes with vibrant hues of red, orange and gold, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that each sunrise brings.
The sun’s unwavering presence encourages us to shine brightly, to find joy in the simple moments, and to celebrate the interconnectedness of all living things.
I honour Te Rā as a symbol of inspiration, illuminating our paths and igniting our passions, reminding us to embrace the light within us all.
Essays
Explore in-depth writing about He Aa I Uta, He Aa I Tai: Weaving the Elements.
Whenu(a), Atua: Returning to Hine-te-iwaiwa through the maternal language of whatu
Dr Hinekura Smith (Te Rarawa, Nga Puhi)
1974 words
The language of weaving resonates deeply with the feminine and maternal body – as long as we use that language.
Ngaa ahuatanga marire mo te koiora - The Elementals essential for life
Ruth Port (Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri)
2950 words
A journey of re-connection and knowledge recovery as a group of weavers unravel long lost techniques used by Māori ancestral sail makers.
