Artist’s statement
Jill Fleming
I have captured the power of the elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit in the colours and patterns of this kete Meaning Weft twined geometrical design and the finger twining technique . Pā Mauri shows our connection to the life force which connects all of the elements and relates them to each other.
Te taha mauri o te whenua, āngi, ahi, wai me te wairua ki ngā mea o te ao me te pō, elements of the world of light and dark.
Pā Mauri is partly inspired by a kete muka held in the Meaning Treasure, anything prized collection at Te Papa Tongarewa. Sadly the Meaning Weaver is unknown, as is the case for many Meaning Treasure, anything prized
However, I feel indebted to Meaning Weaver who have imprinted their DNA in their Meaning Work for future generations to admire and carry forward - nei te mihi miharo ana.
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.
