Uku Workshops with Stevei Houkamau
These two upcoming special workshops are for both beginners and more experienced clay artists. Participants may attend one or both classes. Each class costs $100, or you can book into both classes for the discounted price of $180. All tools and materials will be provided. Clay firing can be organised by the Gallery for a small additional cost. Bookings are essential: please phone 07 578 7933.
Saturday 29 October 1 - 4pm: Small Hand-built Vessels
Learn hand-building techniques that allow you to build fast and with confidence in this dynamic workshops with Stevei Houkamau. Beginners will create a small pot to learn cross hatching and shaping skills. The more advanced will explore how far they can push the clay by stretching it to create interesting shaped forms. Participants will also explore the use of household items to create works of art from clay. Afternoon tea is provided.
Sunday 30 October 9.30 – 12.30pm: Decorative techniques
In this second class, Stevei will teach decorative techniques, utilising slips and underglazes and carving techniques, and explore the patterns and symbolism of Maori and other Oceanic cultures. Participants will be decorating the vessels and tiles created in the workshop the day before. For those that did not attend the previous class, vessels and tiles will be provided. Morning tea is also provided.
About the Artist:
Stevei Houkamau (Ngati Porou, Te Whanau a Apanui, Rangitane) is a member of Nga Kaihanga Uku (Maori Clayworkers Collective) and was mentored in the early stages of her career by Wi Taepa.
Stevei’s works reflect the influence of her whakapapa and the impact and impression of her surrounding growing up in Porirua. A strong integration of Maori and Pacific Island patterns that derive from Ta Moko and Tatau (tattoo) is present in her works. Stevei is interested in how these art forms are used to accentuate and frame the body while telling stories of a people.
Stevei has exhibited in many group exhibitions throughout New Zealand and overseas, and her work is held in national and international collections.
