It's been a total joy collaborating with 8 to 12-year-old kids from Orakei School. I think we've managed to create something uniquely kiwi with these three artworks.
Entitled Papa, Moana and Tane, the artworks consist of individual strips of canvas painted by the children that I have woven and framed with driftwood from Ohope Beach.
The concept of weaving evokes unity, with all of the children's diverse, vibrant strips of canvas coming together into an indivisible, complete artwork.
The kids' paintings are inspired by anything that is special to them - Maori and Pacific patterns, their favourite sports teams, video games, friends and family.
The children I had the honour of collaborating with are smart with great senses of humour and even though they come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, a sense of unity has been cultivated at the school, a sense of whanau.
