Tairawhiti Arts – Art & Culture from the East Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand

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Claudette Collis

Uawa / Tolaga Bay

Claudette is an artist who comes from a strong traditional background of tribal weavers. She was bought up with her grandmother and other family members who have strong links to their Papakainga in Hauiti. (Tolaga Bay just north of Gisborne).

While she can and has used harakeke (flax) her knowledge of weaving design and process manifests itself in a variety of other non-traditional weaving materials such as steel, copper, native timbers, enamel and acrylic paints.

“My works are a product of my traditional weaving heritage I make use of recycled material and have been influenced also by the study of traditional and contemporary artists of the world”

Her recent works are based on her knowledge of concepts and ideas that come from traditional weaving, mixed with thoughts and ideas about contemporary issues that face Maori Women today.

Claudette has completed her Bachelors Degree in Maori Visual Arts “ Te Toi o Nga Rangi” and is currently completing a post graduate studio year at Toihoukura.

Claudette can be contacted on:

This post is tagged Claudette Collis, Contemporary Maori Art, Maori, Toi Hauiti, toihoukura, weaving