Exciting times for Porirua carver
Jordan Temarama says seeing his carvings in an exhibition for the first time is a surreal experience.
The Whitireia Community Polytechnic whakairo student and four others will have three pieces each on display at the Emerging Light Gallery in Plimmerton until November 27.
The exhibition is called Te Mata Hou (A New World, New Chisel) and the students’ work was a culmination of months of work, Temarama said.
He has a pou, patu and tewha tewha displayed.
Tradition has it that your first carving must be given away, so at least one would be going to a family member who had supported him, Temarama said.
‘‘I had wanted to be a carver for a long time, but my parents said there was no money in it and I had to get a trade,’’ he said.
‘‘Now they’re seeing my work and I think they’ve changed their tune a bit. It’s a cool experience, seeing your pieces displayed for people to look at.’’
Temarama said carving had helped him understand more about Maori culture and he had enjoyed creating something from a bare block of wood. He hoped the exhibition would not be his last.
‘‘The fact there is just five of us is great. We’ve really got to know each other and it’s a good atmosphere when we work together.’’
It’s not Brett Rangitaawa’s first exhibition, but he said they all count.
‘‘It’s a small gallery, but the standard is very high. It’s been a valuable experience for everyone, getting ready to exhibit.’’