Oamaru stone relief sculptures with soul – or rather the Māori word mauri is a closer characterisation.
Traditional tā moko or tattooing involves dialogue between the artist and the person. In short, artists should have some knowledge of the person before making marks.
Each of my stones are unique – designed and carved for the individual, family or place where it will be situated.
Tā moko takes a great deal of time and dedication to learn and it’s practitioners are more than artists. It is a process and cultural possession of Māori, and is to be respected. Māori artists have shared with me the mauri of some their symbolism. At times with care and forethought I use these marks on my stonework breathing mauri into the stone giving it life, vitality, essence and emotion. The stone will then work with me, interacting with every touch while I remain constantly mindful of the person or people or place the stone is destined for.
Some Māori, perhaps more traditional viewpoints, have it that whakairo (carving) carries much tapu, hence the reverence that should be shown when using Māori symbolism. These viewpoints also suggest that carving is not an art form for women. I overcame these concerns during my study of Aotearoa artist Cliff Whiting (1936-2017). Whiting’s life spanned decades of community work and numerous accomplishments. He was a much loved educator and known for his colourful and innovative constructions, which can be seen at maraes (meeting grounds), and museums throughout the country. His art is a fusion of the modern and the traditional. In his work he used symbols to highlight flow and movement in the overall design, and also in the representation of people, birds and aspects of the environment- land, wind and sea. As an educator Whiting wished to share his skills and knowledge, along with Māori culture. He felt that aspiring artists and carvers needed latitude to learn. My research on Whiting gave me the courage and desire to take on carving.
It didn’t take much to get started as I had by chance a small store of Oamaru stone. Being a dusty job, working outside on my deck with a stable table works well. The light is good and the natural environment helps both in practical and inspiring ways. My tools are simple and not specifically made for the purpose. The most used ones are chisels, and a flat head screwdriver repurposed to have an angled edge and sharp point which was given to me by a whakairo practicing friend – who is encouraging me to move onto wood. There are always new things to explore when it come to making stuff!
These stones, I make for others, if they include Māori elements, it is for, and from their Māori connections. In Māori creation mythology all things came from a beginning, all is connected in some way, and all things and people have a story. Those stories form the dialogue between the artist and the person, and this exchange forms the marks.
with wishes of happiness, Bice.
Bice Grace Lapin 