Elemental

When I was asked to be part of the show these pieces were front of mind as they connect to all four elements. The red ochre was from Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga), Earth. The spermaceti whale oil from Puhiwai Rangi the 55-tonne sperm whale that stranded at Matapaua Bay, Water. I need to heat the ingredients in the old opshop pot on my kitchen stove, Fire. Then Air, blowing through my sliding doors or from the constant waiata recitals of my tamariki is needed to dry it from the heated goopy form into the thin bioplastic you now see. Connecting to whakapapa of the materials I use means I’m never making alone, the elements are making with me.