Wi Te Tau Pirika Taepa
I was looking for another medium than wood for carving. I found it in clay, the body of Papatuanuku.
Born in 1946, Wi Taepa is affiliated to Ngati Pikiao, Te Arawa, and Te Atiawa.
Artist Statement
Clay provides for me the elements and rhythm evolving into a sculpture or vessel.
Whakapapa has provided his content and he has honoured this by revisiting early styles of work. Taepa enjoys reclaiming old techniques that have been inspired from early Maori carvings. He looks to the way rectilinear and curvilinear lines were created with stone chisels, replacing these with a variety of basic tools, man made and from nature.
I'm interested in using clay as a form of creative expression. Teaching is also an art, so combining clay and teaching is an enjoyable challenge.
Working with clay involves imagination, touch and vision. While my work sustains cultural aspects of Aotearoa (New Zealand), there lies an even stronger connection to Hine-Ukurangi, the clay maiden. We are all conncected to Papatuanuku (Mother Earth). We Thrive off her. Where we begin and where we end.
Selected Exhibitions
2002
Voyaging Beyond - Pataka, Porirua, NZ
2001
Toi Maori Festival - Taranaki, NZ
2000
Te Ra - Millennium Exhibition, Gisborne, NZ
Mahurangi - Toi Maori Exhibition, Wellington, NZ
Father & Sons - Pataka, Porirua, NZ
Chip off the Old Block - Pataka, Porirua, NZ
1999
Rim of Fire - Pataka, Porirua, NZ
Nga Korero Aotearoa - Dowse, Lower Hutt, NZ
Kura Gallery, Taupo, NZ
Clay te Pai - Geoff Wilson Gallery, Whangarei, NZ
1998
Uku Uku Uku - Wellington, NZ
Haka - Bath, England, UK
View Artwork by Wi Taepa