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Q & A: With Taryn Te Uira Beri, Moke Ake Studios

Taryn Beri is a Ta Moko Artist and apprentice to Ta Moko Artist, Mark Kopua at his new studio, Moko Ake. Moke Ake is located at 11 Jillett St, Titahi Bay, Porirua in Wellington. As well as being based in Wellington, both Taryn and Mark travel frequently around Aotearoa and internationally. 

Is this the first Matariki event that you have run? If not, when and what was the first one you were a part of?

Yes this was the first Matariki event I have run myself, with many more to come!

What was the event you were involved in this year?

Our ta moko studio hosted the Matariki Seven Sisters 2011 Art Exhibition Opening to coincide with our official studio opening in Titahi Bay. We had 7 wahine artists of various mediums represented in the exhibition. Alison Waru (Te Aitanga a Hauiti PAINTINGS), Bernise Williams (Tuwharetoa PAINTING), Jo Haenga (Ngati Porou  DRAWINGS), Keri-Mei Zagrobelna (Te Ati Awa, Te Whanau a Apanui JEWELLERY), Gina Solomon (Ngati Toarangatira, Ngati Raukawa, Te Ati Awa RARANGA), Sarah Kane (Rakaipaaka, Ngati Kahungunu DRAWINGS), Taryn Beri (KAKAHU, MOKO DRAWINGS).

My role was organising the exhibition itself, as well as the official Moko Ake opening which ran alongside the Matariki event. I was also one of the artists featured in the exhibition.

What was the highlight of the event for you?

The highlight of the event for me was having a strong tangata whenua (Ngati Toarangatira) presence at the opening night. It was great to see a lot of local people and a lot of East Coast people coming together in celebration of Matariki and Maori Arts in general. Our guests and everyone that showed up in style to celebrate and participate is what really made our event special, as well as the quality of the artists work in the exhibition of course. It is very exciting for us to be bringing our mahi ta moko and our mahi toi, to Titahi Bay to share with the local community. There was a strong feeling of community spirit on the night and that was a real highlight for us. We are very big on fostering, growing, building and nurturing our community, particularly within the area that we specialise in - Maori Arts or Mahi Toi.

During an event, you learn from situations that arise. Is there anything that happened during the event like this that stands out for you?

Always make sure you have more than enough kai, just in case! Have heating in your outdoor areas if your event is in winter. Have adequate seating for kaumatua and others who require it. Work with a strong team that you can really trust and really rely on to do the mahi, get things done and make things happen! If you are selling anything (as in an exhibition) it is a good idea to have a wide price range from affordable to high end works, as this ensures that everyone is included in the fun of buying beautiful Maori art pieces, and able to support the kaupapa if they choose to.

Have you noticed any changes during Matariki?

Official Matariki celebrations throughout Aotearoa just seem to get bigger and better every year! It is wonderful to watch the growth, new ideas, and popularity of remembering the ways of our tupuna at this special time of year. It's awesome to have an annual event that we can all celebrate together!

Do you have a vision for Matariki? If so, could you share with us what that is?

Next year I would like to organise a Matariki Masquerade Ball, I think that would be awesome fun and could incorporate a lot of traditional Matariki kaupapa such as remembering those that have passed on, staying indoors and keeping warm together, reflecting on the past year, and celebrating the beginning of another year together.

What advice would you give to young artists who are currently looking to work in your genre/field of work?

Draw, draw, draw every single day. Look at examples of whakairo and draw it. Practice drawing on skin, your friends arms etc. Go to Toihoukura! Find an experienced practitioner that is willing to teach you. Get an apprenticeship with a reputable artist if you can. Be patient and take your time. And then draw some more!  

What inspiration, whakatauki or idea do you use to keep you motivated in your profession/life in order to prepare you for your event?

WHAIA NGA MAHI O RAROHENGA!!

If you want to stay updated with the latest news from Moko Ake or want to get in contact, visit their website to hear more!

Keep checking out this page for more interviews with women in the arts talking about their Matariki experiences. 

Let us know about your Matariki experiences on the Toi Maori blog! 

• Moko Ake