Artist Concept: 
 
Tiki Echoes is a deeply personal exploration of cultural intersection and the complexities of identity. This piece is constructed from a repurposed canvas that dates back over 15 years, featuring a Tiki originally created from buttons and string. The work is a fusion of three different paintings, carefully deconstructed and reimagined as strips, alongside acrylic elements and delicate leaf skeletons gifted by wonderful community member.
In revisiting the Tiki in this piece, I acknowledge my evolving understanding of cultural sensitivity and appropriation. When I first created the Tiki, I was unaware of the broader cultural implications. Today, with the guidance and input of Māori friends, I approach this symbol with the respect it deserves, recognizing the deep significance it holds in Māori culture. My intention is to honour the Tiki's spiritual and cultural heritage while reflecting on my own journey and the layered histories we all carry.
This piece also draws a quiet connection to the broader cultural education in New Zealand, shaped in part by figures like Gordon Tovey, whose post-war influence on arts education fostered a deep appreciation for both Māori and Pākehā traditions. Tiki Echoes invites viewers to consider the complexities of identity and the ongoing dialogue between past and present.
 
Footnote:  "Gordon Tovey: Arts Education in New Zealand,"  is a facinating documentary regarding Toveys incredible transformation of the curriculm for NZ school children,  as the "Minister for Arts and Crafts" in New Zealand directly after WW2.