HE WAKA

Artist: JEROMY VAN RIEL

Here is a description of this piece from the artist...

Inscription reads- Salutations in the spirit of our illustrious ancestors who navigated the tumultuous oceans to this bountiful and utopic land of ours, I salute thee.

The stories of Maui, of Rata, of the great migration all captivate my attention as I ponder a concept of nationhood in today’s world. What would it take for us to come together? Let’s start with faith.

This piece is inspired by the blessing “may the calm be widespread, may the sea ripple like jade, may light dance atop the gentle ripples on your path".

As you can see from his personal description, Jeromy is a very thoughtful artist who is careful to work with the materials he is using. The result is carved art that is completely unique, reflective and very beautiful!

This is a one-off, hand made, traditional work of art to display.

HE WAKA - a standout, one off, work of Art which can be worn, but really is a collectable, display piece.

DELIVERY WITH EXPRESS COURIER IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Artist: Jeromy Van Riel

Material: Whale Bone, New Zealand Pounamu and Pukeko Feathers

Size: 190mm (7.4 inches) long; 90mm (3.5 inches) wide

A little about the artist in his own words...

Jeromy has always had interest in stones and bones, intrigued with Aotearoa history and ancient people.

Jeromy’s upbringing in Invercargill, New Zealand was immersed in Reo Maori, Kapa Haka and had insights into Maori spiritual beliefs through involvement in Mau raakau (Maaori martial arts), making and playing Taonga puuoro (Maaori musical instruments) and rongoa Maaori (Maaori healing modalities). Jeromy’s connection to his kaumatua continues today.

Coming from a Dutch migrant family Jeromy was compelled from an early age to explore what concepts of Tino Rangatiratanga, Mana Motuhake (self sovereignty) mean to Maori but (perhaps just as importantly) what it means to all people of the world.

Jeromy spent 20 years of his life teaching te reo Maori, at all levels. Many of his past students have been recognised for their efforts to continue Jeromy’s work.

Jeromy describes his work as being Future Colonial “through my art, I explore concepts of belonging, identity and value, I believe the main learning I received from my kaumaatua is that all people are equal, the measure of a person is through their conduct. I believe people are like stones. We spend time and patient consideration together in order to reveal the light from beneath the surface of something often overlooked. I consider a time when we accept and celebrate each other’s differences and actually obtain ‘te whiwhingatahitanga ki te wairua tapu” (unity).

Today Jeromy works from home in Lake Haawea, New Zealand.