ABOUT THE ARTIST

ROIMATA SINCLAIR

   Ko Aoraki te mauka  

 Ko Arahura te awa 

 Ko Poutini te taniwha 

 Ko Poutini Kai Tahu | Waitaha | Kati Mamoe  

Ngai Tuahuriri | Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa 

nga iwi o toku Mama 

 Ko Ngati Konohi | Ngai Te Riwai | Te Whanau a Apanui  Rakaipaaka | Kai Tahu 
nga iwi o toku Papa 

Ko Ngai Te Rakiamoa, Kati Waewae me Kati Huirapa ona hapu 

 Ko Roimata Anahera Pihawai Sinclair ahau. 

Kia ora, I am an aspiring contemporary Maori artist that was born in Mawhera – Te Tai Poutini o Te Waipounamu (West Coast of the South Island). I am currently completing my third and final year of my Bachelors of Maori Visual Arts at Toihoukura and have also recently completed a summer apprenticeship under greenstone carver Jon Jeet. I was taught everything from how to 'read' stone, prepare and cut stone, carve simple shapes such as toki, hand sand and polish to even the final touches of binding. My aim is to continue to expand on my understanding and skills pertaining to greenstone practices and the age old art of painting! I have a strong connection to pounamu and am very grateful to be maintaining my family's connection with working with stone. It is both my whanau and being Maori that inspire me to continue this affinity with whakapapa, stories, histories and mahi toi to continue to learn, share and inspire those that come after me.