Tu Wairua Art Studio

Tu Wairua Art Studio is a home- based art studio where I'm currently been creative. I am open to the public and occasional art trails, by appointment only. On these open days we will have other local artists exhibiting in the gallery for your perusal and while you browse in the ambience of my home, a hot cuppa will be on offer if you wish.

Profile

Kia Ora.

My name is Naomi Leonard and I am a Contemporary Maori Art Practitioner. I am highly skilled in the discipline of Sculptural Weaving of Harakeke (NZ Flax) and Mixed Media.

I’m from Rarotonga Cook Island, Tahitian and Maori decent. My Maori Tribal affiliations are the Takitimu and Te Arawa Waka, through Waitaha and Ngati Ranginui. My Rarotonga Tribal affiliations are the Takitimu through Ngati Tinomana and my Hapu is Noa. I currently reside in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, and Aotearoa NZ.

I am self taught in Raranga Weaving and also express other disciplines that include Graphic Design, Contemporary Painting, Print-making, Stone sculpture, Technical art and Mixed media. In 2004 I graduated with certificates for Contemporary Art Craft and Design from YMCA Community College, Tauranga, majoring in Painting and Weaving.

For me preparation is a cornerstone of my creativity and the discipline I apply to my mahi enables a good balance in my studio environment. I enjoy immensely and value support from Creative Tauranga and our local community and will nurture this relationship onwards.

Since 1995 I have widely exhibited in

• Aotearoa, New Zealand / Australia / Argentina South America
• Hawaii / Oahu /Canada / Italy
• Holland / Netherlands
• London UK
• Rarotonga / Rapanui – Easter Island / Tahiti
• United States / New York / New Hampshire / Colorado / Washington DC

In the future, further study of the Fine Arts is one of my goals and I look forward to sharing my experiences as an Art Practitioner

Contact Details

Website: www.tuwairua.co.nz

Email: naomi@tuwairua.co.nz

Cell: 021 122 1336