Tina Martin
Tokomaru Bay

Tina's chosen art form is ceramic sculpture. There are examples of her creations scattered around her home from the planter pieces on the outside tables, to the figurative pieces she has collected over the years inside.
Tina gained a Diploma in Ceramic Production through Wanganui Polytechnic's School of Design, which she was able to do through Te Uku, a remote campus based in Tokomaru Bay itself. Tina describes Te Uku as a fantastic place of learning, so much so, that none of the Te Uku students ever felt like leaving when it came time to travel to Wanganui for the contact courses. Learning at Te Uku was very much driven by Matauranga Maori (Maori world knowledge) and the study of Maori symbolism and content.
Tina feels privileged to have studied under renowned Maori ceramic artist Baye Riddell. "I have had many different people, places, techniques that have inspired my work. I would like to acknowledge all that have helped me to acquire and achieve. Baye Riddell, for putting up with me as a student and sharing his knowledge and skills with me. George Kotjis, has been hugely influential on me, especially in my attitude to my work, and for introducing me to the magic of Terra Sigillata! Also for his generosity and kindness and generally being a great guy. Robyn Stewart for showing me the wonders of sawdust firings. Carla Ruka for showing me how to make cool contemporary koauau. Manos Nathan, Wi Taepa, Collen Urlich and Paerau Corneal for being true to themselves and their mahi and leading the way for Maori Ceramic Artists. Kimihia Doel and Sarah McClutchie who inspired my Korowai series. Kia Ora Koutou Katoa"
Tina loves what she does. Unable to create any new works in the winter months, when her working space is just too cold...she waits keenly and patiently for the weather to warm up again. With the warmth comes a busy period of creating stunning works that she will exhibit, and make available for sale, especially leading up to and during the Christmas period when the Coast becomes a tourist highway once again.

Tina can be contacted for commission work/exhibitions on:
tina.martin@slingshot.co.nz