Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Wehiwehi
Elaine’s interest in weaving stems back to her childhood observing the skilful hands of her relatives transforming the blades of harakeke into beautiful functional kete. She began to weave in 1985 whilst carrying her first child. Since then, she has always admired fine intricate work and she is constantly inspired by the exquisite tāonga handed down by our tūpuna.
Elaine incorporates contemporary designs in her work; however, she is more drawn to traditional styles and materials and experimenting with indigenous plant dyes. The designs usually unfold as her work progresses.
Elaine has always admired fine work whether it is mahi whatu or mahi raranga and she does get more satisfaction out of making pieces of this kind, although it demands more time, skill and patience. She is presently growing a variety of flaxes to expand and conserve local resources and provide access to quality weaving material for local weavers.
Elaine taught basic weaving at the local primary schools and college in Ōtaki and taught weaving classes at the college for beginners and advanced learners. With the encouragement of whānau and peers her application for the Toi Iho Māori Made mark was accepted in Te Whare Pora.
She is presently employed at Te Wānanga o Raukawa sharing a teaching position within the Diploma of Design and Arts programme. Her work gives her the opportunity to gain inspiration from other artists and their work, exhibit her works globally, attend various wānanga raranga and research materials and techniques of an artform she loves with a passion.
featured ArtWork
Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Wehiwehi
Elaine’s interest in weaving stems back to her childhood observing the skilful hands of her relatives transforming the blades of harakeke into beautiful functional kete. She began to weave in 1985 whilst carrying her first child. Since then, she has always admired fine intricate work and she is constantly inspired by the exquisite tāonga handed down by our tūpuna.
Elaine incorporates contemporary designs in her work; however, she is more drawn to traditional styles and materials and experimenting with indigenous plant dyes. The designs usually unfold as her work progresses.
Elaine has always admired fine work whether it is mahi whatu or mahi raranga and she does get more satisfaction out of making pieces of this kind, although it demands more time, skill and patience. She is presently growing a variety of flaxes to expand and conserve local resources and provide access to quality weaving material for local weavers.
Elaine taught basic weaving at the local primary schools and college in Ōtaki and taught weaving classes at the college for beginners and advanced learners. With the encouragement of whānau and peers her application for the Toi Iho Māori Made mark was accepted in Te Whare Pora.
She is presently employed at Te Wānanga o Raukawa sharing a teaching position within the Diploma of Design and Arts programme. Her work gives her the opportunity to gain inspiration from other artists and their work, exhibit her works globally, attend various wānanga raranga and research materials and techniques of an artform she loves with a passion.
featured ArtWork