Rua Pick

Rua Pick - Artist


Rua Pick was born on Moturua Island in 1968. Rua was named by Rongo Puke Ahitapu and Te Aue Hakaraia, very close family friends. He grew up with an artistic family in the Bay of Islands. His Father a potter, his Mother and Sister both painters, the family was always surrounded by art and artists. During 1983 & 1984, Rua was inspired by the tutorage of Selwyn Wilson who taught him kōwhaiwhai and encouraged him to pursue his creative style, empowering and enabling him to follow his artistic path.

Ruas early influences were Goya and Dali. After leaving school Rua studied oil painting techniques from books focusing on 17th Century Dutch Painters. He traveled to Europe in 1988. The Prado and Dali Theatre Museums were pivotal experiences on his creative journey. On returning to New Zealand with his mind completely saturated with art, Rua moved to Whaingaroa~ Raglan and developed his style in the genres of Social Surrealism, Mysticism, and Symbolism.

In 1992, Rua completed a year at the Canterbury School of Fine Arts. He fell in love with the South Island, its deep mystery permeating the land and its people. Rua work has followed a personal inner journey on the river of the mind. This has dealt with the proces...

1982-1985 Bay of Islands College 1992 Ilam School of Fine Arts
2003 - 2012 Whare Wananga o Nukunuku