Ko Ngāti Kurawaka, Ko Ngāti Rākai me Ngāti Pakau Nga Hapu - Kurawaka, Rakai & Pakau are the Families. Painting

I was born on Moturua Island, New Zealand in 1968. I was named by Rongo and Te Aue Hakaraia, very close family friends. I grew up with an artistic family in the Bay of Islands. My Father a potter, my Mother and Sister both painters, we were always surrounded by art and artists. During 1983 & 1984, I was inspired by the tutorage of Selwyn Wilson who taught me kowhaiwhai and encouraged me to pursue my creative style, empowering and enabling me to follow my artistic path.My early influences were Goya and Dali. After leaving school I studied oil painting techniques from books focusing on 17th Century Dutch Painters. I traveled to Europe in 1988. The Prado and Dali Theatre Museums were pivotal experiences on my creative journey. On returning to New Zealand with my mind completely saturated with art, I moved to Raglan and developed my style in the genres of Social Surrealism, Mysticism and Symbolism. In 1992, I completed a year at the Canterbury School of Fine Arts. I fell in love with the South Island of New Zealand, its deep mystery permeating the land and its people. For the past thirteen years my work has followed a personal inner journey on the river of the mind. This has dealt with the process of separation, vulnerability, empowerment and integration.Throughout my life Maori symbology has asserted itself strongly in my work. Polynesian influences have surrounded me throughout my life and I have a strong affinity with the Land and the Sea. My Paintings reflect the stories/narratives of the experiences of Rangi/Grandfather Sky, Papatuanuku/Grandmother Earth and their children over the ages.Concrete images narrate my views and comments to a broad audience. Through my art I honour the timelessness of Ancient histories and mythologies of this land and its peoples. I am committed to discussing the world with others through my art. In this process I swing from the dark/Po to the light/Ma, taking inspiration from both worlds.