Welder to WOW final on the catwalk
Darren Wise was surprised when he was invited to enter the World of Wearableart (WOW) competition.
Truth is, he didn’t know much about the international designer show. The 49-year-old was busy building factories, working as a stainless steel welder in the Waikato.
’’Originally I thought it was a joke, because I am a tradesman of 27 years, not into airy-fairy artist things. But I investigated a little more and realised what an honour and an amazing opportunity this was.’’
He was even more surprised to be named a finalist in the Aotearoa category.
His garment, which he can’t reveal too much about until the opening show night, is inspired by Maori myth and legend. Incorporated is leather and cloth, rope and flax, wire and chains.
‘‘Maui fished up the North Island in Maori myths and legends, so there are so many elements with stainless steel as my medium.’’
Wise started creating Maoriinfluenced sculptures, crafted of stainless steel sheet metal, around five years ago. He sells his work online.
The imagery he uses includes hooks, patu and taiaha, as well as turtles, stingrays and a tuatara. Some of the pieces are mixed with paua, native wood and fine twine.
‘‘There’s no real machining just welding, lots of hammering and grinder work. It’s old-school.’’
Many hours were spent at his workshop in Rukuhia preparing the garment.
At one point, Wise nearly gave up. ’’I thought, look, I’m a tradesman. I don’t know how to put this together!’’
But he said the WOW team encouraged and supported him through the whole process.
He said being a part of the WOW show has already created opportunities with his sculpture work.
He hopes to start selling his pieces in shops around New Zealand.
‘‘I don’t think a lot of people have seen my type of work before. It’s a very unknown material that’s hard to work with, so most artists won’t touch it.’’
The WOW show, now in its 29th year, is on in Wellington from September 21 to October 8.