Joe Kemp
Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, and Te Arawa (Ngāti Mākino).
These works give life back to all the trees that stood as ancient forests and gave life [to others], once upon a time... Joe Kemp is a Māori wood carver from the Bay of Plenty. His standing and wall-mounted Māori sculpture art depicts human forms and faces emerging from the wood.
Exhibitions
Bio
Joe Kemp is an established Māori carver from Lake Rotoma in the Bay of Plenty. He is married to Sherie Kemp and they have three sons. He was born in Ōtautahi Christchurch and moved to the Bay of Plenty when he was two. His iwi (tribal connections) are Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, and Te Arawa (Ngāti Mākino).
Every time I start carving an old bit of wood I am always reminded of the tree it once was, and how it lived for centuries before it became the piece of wood I'm carving. As l start carving more into the piece I get a sense l am being directed with my chisels from the grains and natural flows of the wood.
As the pieces evolve into form, I feel like they are old ancient relics from another time and l get to take the layer of overgrowth from them to reveal an old life force that once lived in Te Waonui O Tanemahuta (our ancient forest). A time forgotten . . .
Joe is self-taught and works primarily in wood as his chosen medium. He enjoys the “secrets and surprises” that New Zealand native trees have within them. Joe’s standing and wall sculptures (NZ), or wall masks, depict human forms and faces emerging out of the wood. He has said that he feels the human form connects him with his ancestral history, bringing new meaning and purpose to the finished work.
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 again 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.
Joe has over 20 years’ experience as a sculptor. He has participated in sculpture symposiums around the country, most notably at the Lake House Wood Sculpture Live symposium where he won first prize in 2012 and 2013. His work has evolved into the style and form we see today, drawing together traditional Māori carving with contemporary styles and cross-cultural influences (as we see in the Viking-like helmets on some pieces), allowing him to form his own, unique brand of contemporary Māori art. Joe's Māori wood carving is strong in wairua (spirit). They have a presence. We feel they protect our gallery space and offer something to our local community - we often speak with customers who tell us they believe the sculptures drew them into our store.
[Today], I have a deeper understanding and respect for my work and the mediums I use which helps me connect to the wairua within. My work depicts new beginnings in a new world, with presence of Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship), Amorangi (Leadership), Mana (prestige, self-worth), kaha (strength), hope, and purpose.