Artist’s statement
Julz Nonoa
Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Tangahoe, Ngāruahine, Tainui
“Raranga Tangata, Raranga Korero, Raranga Harakeke, Whatu Muka.” A framework woven through every Kaupapa.
The richness, beauty, complexity yet simplicity of the whenua. Pulling us closer as distance, greed and ‘what difference can I make’ distract us from our role as Kaitiaki. Don’t lose sight; the blemishes, the mends, the weaknesses, the tohu.
Meaning Guardianship of the sky, the sea, and the land. is paramount.
With a starting point of inherent connection to the global language of creativity, it was inevitable that this language would be the lens to live life through.
Through a lense of creativity and lived experiences I bring out the box, hang on – what box? thinking and sharing that encourages others to ‘just come for a coffee and check out the space’, barriers come down and an engagement with play happens.
Through our business Hau TuTū Aotearoa | Whare Hau Tutū, a more traditional Meaning Weaving and Meaning Hand twisted single weave-weft practice has expanded to contemporary mediums that encourage the beginning of new Meaning Stories , and the growth of existing.
People, Stories, Connection and Space. Magic.
Raranga Tangata, Raranga Kōrero, Raranga Harakeke, Whatu Muka.
Weave the people, weave the stories and vessels and space for magic and connection will happen.
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.
