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Joe Kemp

Kia Ora Tatou   My name is Joe Kemp, married to Sherie and we have three sons. We have lived in Lake Rotoma in the Bay of Plenty for the last fifteen years. I was born in Christchurch but we moved up to the Bay of Plenty when I was two, and have been here ever since.  My tribal connections are Ngai Tahu, Ngapuhi and Te Arawa (Ngati Makino). I have been into art since I can remember only finding my sculpting ability eight years ago. I am self-taught and find it a great privelage to be able to create with these mediums and art forms.  I enjoy carving human form, especially females.  I feel doing human form connects me with my ancestral history which brings a whole new meaning and purpose to the finished art work. I use wood as my main medium and enjoy the secrets and surprises that our native timbers have with them.  I sense a connection with Tane Mahuta (the life force of the tree) as I'm working with the wood, so it is quite a special feeling. I also carve a variety of stone, where agian there is a connection with Papatuanuku (Earth Mother).  I look to bring out the Wairua (essence) in each piece, starting from where the material originated and using any special features and grains in the stone and wood.   Thanks for taking the time to stop and look at my work. Joe

Te Haa Mauri ("A fresh breath")

This collection of works deplicts life, given from Tane Mahuta ( The God of the Forest ).  I enjoy the fact that the wood is so old, and I am able to be a part of it's life cycle.  I feel the work creates itself, showing the Essence and the Mana of these (once were Magnificent Trees )  I hope you enjoy viewing my work and seeing the life installed back into our Native timbers! Kia ora Koutou, Joe Kemp (please note each piece has it's own meaning - please feel free to contact us to have this explained)

Survivor Swamp Totara $NZ7200 (50cm tall) sold	Hei Matau Tawhairanui red beech, harakeke, riverstone $NZ3500
Rangatira Totara $NZ1800 (50cm tall)	Marakai Huranui Stone $NZ1950 (43cm tall) sold
Guardian of the Sea Totara $5800	Tipu ora Rewarewa, stone $NZ4200 (130cm tall) sold
My Korowai Totara $5000 (193 cm tall)
Whaia Kauri $1950 (67 cm long) sold	Ki te ao Marama Totara $5800 (2m tall) sold

 

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