Steve will be available to demonstrate the different materials, techniques, processes and symbolism he uses in his work and talk about current projects.

Join us for Tea Break talks with Steve at 10:30am on Thursdays during his open studio at Te Atamira – 14, 21 and 28 July.

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FREE. No booking required.

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Steve Solomon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngati Whakue, Ngati Pikiao, Te Whanau a Apanui) is a customary Māori wood carver/kaiwhakairo, who is currently artist-in-residence at Remarkables Park, where Te Atamira is located. Steve, from Riverton, Murihiku (Southland), learned the art of whakairo through established mentors including his grandfather, who was also a wood carver.

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The artist completed his final year of a Bachelor of Māori Art Degree - Maunga Kura Toi (Whakairo) at the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. During this period of study, Steve received mentoring from some of the leading North Island master carvers. He joined a team of carvers from Te Puia, Rotorua, to design and produce panels for the wharenui (meeting house) at Mataura Marae in Murihiku in 2018. With the support of Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka (Riverton iwi council) and in collaboration with master carver James York, he has co-developed whakairo wānanga (educational workshops and gatherings) to help re-establish the art of whakairo in the southern regions. He was also commissioned to carve a large pou for Awarua Rūnaka (Bluff iwi council) and the Department of Conservation for the Waikawa nohanga site.

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Before moving to Tāhuna, he collaborated with the Museum and Art Gallery Niho o te Taniwha in Invercargill through the Toi Māori Residency initiative, which was designed to nurture the development of contemporary Māori artists and to connect local Māori people with the rich cultural heritage and global significance of indigenous wood carving craft. He was also commissioned to create the waharoa – the gateway that is planned to become the main entrance into the Southern Institute of Technology on Tay Street in Invercargill. Among other projects, he is currently designing work for public spaces and buildings in Remarkables Park.

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Click here for a guide to the display.

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