Tutor Carves Out Place In International Sculpture

February 2009

Click to enlarge

Weltec Tutor Carves Out A Place In International Sculpture

International artist and Wellington Institute of Technology Tutor, Barry Te Whatu recently showcased his skill at Te Ra O Te Raukura at Te Whiti Park on Sunday the 1st of February, generating both clouds of dust and crowds of interested onlookers.

At the close of the event, Barry gifted the finished work to event organisers Radio Atiawa Toa FM. Manager, Wirangi Luke was impressed by the workmanship, “the quality of the piece was outstanding, it was great surprise when we found out we were to be gifted the sculpture”.

The sculpture depicts a figure kneeling holding a waka with paua inlaid, wearing a flax garment weaved by Aroha Dahm, WelTec Maori Studies Lecturer. Barry explains the philosophy behind the sculpture, “the vessel or waka signifies the gifting of aroha or koha on behalf of WelTec. The figure represents the face of WelTec students. One half of the face is carved with a moko design the other half is smooth, purposed to be inclusive of all students and their journey of learning.”

As an international artist Barry Te Whatu has played a pivotal role in the emergence of stone carving across the country. Involved in symposiums and exhibitions across Aotearoa, he has taken the story and significance of New Zealand carving beyond our shores to the United States, Austria and Japan’s Ohtawara city.

The now prolific sculptor describes himself in his early days as the boy who sat in class filling his exercise books with drawings. Barry experienced acclaim and status early into his career, regarded by his school mates as the ‘go to guy’ for strong man pictures or if you wanted your fantasy car drawn up.

The subject and medium of his artwork has changed over the years but the demand it appears hasn’t. A registered Toi Iho™ member Barry has been involved in over 36 symposiums, exhibitions and public commissions and was selected as one of two international artists invited to take part in the Nasunogahara International Stone Symposium in 2007.

Barry first began his career in Taranaki, he learnt much from his iwi Taranaki Tuturu and gained a Diploma in Fine Arts in 1993 with Taranaki Polytechnic. From there he furthered his artistic development engaging in formal study and spent time with cultural art and design mentors that were significant in paving the way for young Maori artists, establishing the recognition of Toi Maori as art. Barry went on to gain further qualifications in Nautical studies and Traditional Wood and Bone carving, as well as a Bachelor in Visual Arts from Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) in 2006.

Recognising talent both as a lecturer and artist, Barry was recruited by WelTec to become a Creative Technologies, Cultural Design Tutor in 2008. The role fits well with Barry’s artistic philosophy that artistic expression is enriched when shared.

“A typically Maori approach to creating, the focus is placed on the group rather than the individual artist. Toi Maori is also about sharing and passing down the secrets and skills associated with making sacred objects so that future generations will carry knowledge, be encouraged and be inspired to tell their own stories.”

© Scoop Media