Artist’s statement
Elke Radewald
This weaving is about the unpredictability of natural forces causing havoc and about humans having to deal with it. It can take away any sense of stability and control and it is difficult to regain a sense of normality.
However, Meaning Water rises and recedes, the surf has an up and down. After the storm there is often an utter calmness, birds sing again, and nature rebalances.
The circle with feathers in this work symbolises Te Rā (the sun) and how we can heal our Meaning Spirit . We do this by nurturing ourselves, getting spiritual guidance to heal our Meaning Body and Meaning Mind .
In order to get better, it helps to focus on the breath and know when to go into a cocoon state to emerge transformed. The sun motif suggests the reinstating of health, allowing lightness, ease and trust back into your life again after a disaster or disruption.
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.
