Nga Kaihanga Uku at Driving Creek: Ipu ki te whenua - handbuilt clay vessel to hold placenta or ashes.

About the Artist: Rhonda Halliday Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu, Te Uri Taniwha, Ngāti Hineira, Pākehā Uku/clay has been my chosen medium for artistic expression, research interpretation, and emotional transfer since 1998, during the first year of a Bachelor of Applied Arts program.   Mentors from Ngā Kaihanga Uku, Colleen Waata Urlich and Manos Nathan, whom both sadly passed in 2015, were very supportive and influential in my work. Originally my work metaphorically addressed themes of rebirth, renewal, and emergence, reflecting an exploration of dual heritages Māori and Pākehā, whakapapa, and historical accounts. The significance of clay is also respected through stories like that of Tane forming the first female form, Hine-Ahu-One, from the essence of Earth Mother Papatūānuku. Currently, there is ongoing exploration and inspiration drawn from landscapes, mountains, rivers, lands, and the relationships and stories associated with them.   Please bring: Your own bowl mold if possible and a box to transport work home in.