My early years of childhood were spent on a farm in a small country community know as Tiniroto - Place of Many Lakes, which is 57 km west inland of Gisborne.

 

As a contemporary Maori artist, many things have influenced the vision of my Maori art and its future.  Toihoukura and the tutors since I was a student here have played a major role in terms of my knowledge of all things Maori.  These include whakapapa - geneology, tikanga - protocols, kapa haka - traditional performing arts, moteatea - traditions performing arts, moteatea - traditional chants and manaakitanga - hospitality.

 

Its through these aspects of Maoridom which will guide me and my artforms into the future.

 

Exposure to a range of artists nationally and internationally has also been a great influence on me to work with a wide range of materials such as native timbers, metals, feathers, shells, fibre, clay and  stone.