NZIA Artist
| Roi Toia |
[choose another artist]Tribe - Nga Puhi The art of whakairo (carving) entails many different levels of disciplines. The application of thi artform is expressed in many ways, that are indicitive to that of the artist/carver himself and his tribal interpretations. Knowing that I participate in upholding the mantle of a truely honorable tradition without compromising that of integrity or quality is a true challenge. The high level in standard through which I express my skill and my 'self' to the viewing public and critics' alike, is one of pride. This beautiful and expressive artform is a treasure, gifted to me by my ancestors ...for this I am thankful and I acknowledge both their mana (prestige/power) and their wairua (spirit/soul). "KIA MAU KI TE KURA WHERO, KEI MAU KOE KI TE KURA TAAWHIWHI KEI WAIHO KOE HEI WHAKAMOMONA MO TE WHENUA TANGATA" Born in 1966 Roi is of Nga Puhi descent, a tribe located in the far north of New Zealand. In 1983 he won a threee year apprenticeship to the prestigious New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua. Here the ancient traditions of carving using adze and chisel are still upheld. Completing his diploma Roi also graduated with honors. As a graduate carver Roi spent eleven years perfecting the practical applications of this traditional artform. Ultimately this led to exploring the contemporary horizon. Roi has now developed and established a style of carving distinctly his own. In 1995 Roi changed roles to "Carving Tutor" at Waiariki Polytechnic in Rotorua. Through this he also learned to utilise new forms of media in which to express his art. 1996 has enabled Roi to embark in his own business venture "Mauri Concepts". A focus on integrity and quality compliments service and products that now accommodates an ever growing international market. ARTIST HISTORY Confirmed Comissions 2002 *Tekoteko (figurine) - New Bedford (USA) *Parata x3 (gable mask) - Vancouver (Canada) *Wakahuia (treasure box) - Vancouver (Canada) *Tekoteko (figurine) - Vancouver (Canada) *Poupou (wall gable) - Horohoro (New Zealand) Recent Commissions 2001 Tekoteko (figurine) - Brasilia (Brazil) Pare (door lintle) - Baltimore (USA) Koruru (mask) - Vancouver (Canada) Parata (gable mask) - Vancouver (Canada) 2000 Parata (gable mask) - Vancouver (Canada) Tekoteko (figurine) - Rotorua (New Zealand) Koruru (mask) - Vancouver (Canada) Parata (gable mask) - Miami (USA) Pare (lintle) - Berlin (Germany) Pare (lintle) - Brussels (Belgium) 1999 Koruru (mask) - San Diego (USA) Pare (lintle) - Hong Kong (China) Tekoteko (figure) - Vancouver (Canada) Tokotoko (walking stick) Sydney (Australia) Vessel Form (APEC) - Auckland (New Zealand) Mask (maori, inuit mask) - Vancouver (Canada) Exhibition History 1999 Fusion - Vancouver (Canada) Young Guns - Rotorua (New Zealand) Te Huinga - Rotorua (New Zealand) 1998 Te Kopana - Poneke (New Zealand) Taonga Iti - Whangarei (New Zealand) Cyber Auction - Poneke (New Zealand) 1997 Te Wana - Rotorua (New Zealand) Haka - England/Ireland/Scotland On Sight, Off Shore - Sydney (Australia) Bye Bye Buckle Street - Poneke (New Zealand) 1996 Reflections (one year) - Rotorua (New Zealand) Meeting House Involvement 1997 Te Papa - Poneke (New Zealand) 1990-91 Tu Te Reinga - Te Puna (New Zealand) 1988 Matai Whetu - Thames (New Zealand) 1985-86 Te Whanau a Noa - Tokoroa (New Zealand) 1983 Tarawhai - Rotoiti (New Zealand) * indicates carvings in progress or carvings ordered. NB please note that confirmed commissions do not inhibit enquiries as clients are notified of relevent timeframes. |
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