Post #452798 by Tamapoutini on Sat, May 9, 2009 6:36 PM

On 2009-04-14 15:52, Benzart wrote:
J heard you were getting ready to post something here?

Kia ora All!

Yes, its been a while since I was last here apologizing for my absence. Hows everyone doing? As usual things are hectic but fun-filled in Tamas’ household; kids and animals everywhere and an acre of desert that is slowly regenerating back into jungle. Amongst it all, a few veges are grown and a few Tikis are born..

Massive thanks to those of you who visit and comment on my work. My apology is really for you for not replying sooner. I do appreciate all your support and only wish I had more time to hang out and play.. Aue!

Big thanX: Gman, BenZ, JenZ, Seeks, Gcarvings, laojia, Elly, Bdaddy, Surfin’, BenZ againZ, Tjones, Tahitiki, Aloha, tikibad, Grapa, LLKinny, QueenK, Hewey, MarkusK, Duddy, Lake, BenZ of course, O’otica, P’nesiac, B’wana, notting forgetting BenZ, or BenZ, and my man G again!

As Paipo mentioned, he and I along with a number of other jade carver friends have recently started nightclasses in rakau-whakairo/woodcarving under the tuition of a well respected local carver (dare I say Tohunga-whakairo/Master carver..?). I too have redoubled my admiration of you chizzlers – only about a billion times more difficult than stone grinding in my opinion!! RESPEC’! I think working so small has me handicapped in terms of ever attempting any 8”ers, but I can see myself pursuing woodcarving in a small way, if you know what I mean. Wont be posting any woodie-pics until Ive got something decent to show.. :wink:

TIKIS!!!

In approximate chronological order, from the past few months..

Wahine with traditional lip, chin and forehead moko.

Similar form, only male.

Large Tekoteko-type figure.

A pendant based on the jabbing-end of a Maori taiaha.

Wide-eyed worrier(?)

Wide-legged wahine(!)

An Austral Island-type figure. *Now residing with a friend of mine in California. Keep an eye out for this piece and if you see the buggah, ask him if he’s carved anything yet?! (my man has designs in his blood but cant take that first step.. shame) :wink:

BIG wahine in very dark stone. seriously

A replica Neolithic/stone-carved pekapeka from the same stone as above; carved with my usual tools but keeping the old techniques in mind in order to create a more realistic result. The toggle is also a traditional gull wing-bone and the cord plaited from hemp to resemble muka/flax fibre.

And a smaller pekapeka (actually a side-hanging manaia but it would be open to debate) also carved with the old ways in mind.

Koruru ‘mask’ with NZ mussel shell inlays in the eyes.

Some of you may remember the little ‘triangular’ Tiki started aaaaaages ago? Well he has been hanging around my neck for many months. As he was never sent to market there were never any photos taken but he was recently gifted to a friend and so snapped a few pics before saying goodbye.. Aue again!

And finally, the one that has been plaguing me for the past week: inspired by looking through zillions of pictures of woodcarvings recently (and frustrated in the knowledge that I cant yet do anything remotely like it in wood), I couldn’t help but start a poupou-panel (large Ancestor-figures adorning the interior of wharenui/carved house). Turning into a bit of an epic effort..

phew!

Love ya's! :)