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Master carver Joe Kemp, of Lake Rotoma, is exhibiting his work for the first time at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa as part of the Spotlight on Sculpture show which opens this week.
Joe has been carving for more than 20 years. In more recent times, his wife Sherie and son Teimah have joined him. Whenever possible, they exhibit as a family.
All three have work in the sculpture exhibition and each piece has strong ties with the star cluster Matariki.
Sherie has created offering bowls made of stone, which connect to the fifth star, Waiti. This star celebrates fresh water, lakes, streams and rivers.
Teimah, aged 24, has carved patu in acknowledgment of Hiwa i te Rangi, the eighth star, depicting strength, ambition and resolution.
Joe says his works acknowledge Matariki, the mother of the stars, who represents health, wellbeing, fortune and peace to mankind within the Māori New Year .
Alongside these works are more traditional carvings by Natanahira Pono, from Takapuna. His works depict Ronomatane, guardian of flora and fauna and forest floor, paying homage to Tupu ā rangi, the fourth star.
The Spotlight on Sculpture exhibition is on at Estuary Arts Centre, July 3-28.
