Donna Campbell
"I am in awe of our tupuna (ancestors) and gratefully acknowledge the many teachers and mentors that have passed this gift on to me."
Donna Campbell is a weaver of Nga Puhi and Ngati Ruanui descent.
As a multi-media artist, Donna is known for her innovative and contemporary work in flax. Much of her recent work explores the female form, which she describes as 'sourcing the feminine in Maori art', by incorporating found and made objects. Her work showcases the possibilities of using a natural and traditional medium such as flax. Other recent works explore the post-modern concept of deconstruction.
"My field is textile fabrication using the traditional techniques of Maori raranga (weaving). I am passionate about the possibilities of this medium as an identity signifier from pre-colonial society to the post bi-cultural society we live in today. My work reflects my negotiation with the bi-cultural interface".
Donna implements the technology of the ancient art form of raranga to create new and innovative works that carry the mana (prestige) of weaving and speak with the voice of the urban modern Maori. As a practitioner and teacher of raranga for many years she is constantly inspired by the complexity of pattern, and the commitment needed for the craft.
In 2005, Donna completed her Master of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, Auckland, having received her Post Graduate Diploma of Fine Arts at Elam School of Fine Art, Auckland in 1999. She is also a graduate of Waiariki Polytechnic in 1991 with a Diploma of Craft Design Maori.
Donna's focus has been within both sculptural and wearable art. A regular participant in many wearable art competitions, her entries have earned her accolades at the recent Westfield Style Pacifica 2003, the Dunedin Wearable Arts and the Opotiki Fibre and Fleece 2002.
Links
Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread at the Burke Museum, Seattle, Washington, USA
Pasifika Styles at the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, UK