ABOUT THE ARTIST - Environmental jeweller JoAnna Mere uses found metal from the marine and nature reserves of Kāpiti to create sculptural artworks about the role of humanity as kaitiaki/custodians of te Ao/our world
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Mere draws on contemporary and traditional techniques to create three dimensional forms exploring the visceral and spiritual connections between people/tāngāta and the whenua/land.
Her jewellery/wearable art explores the concept of shared guardianship for our beautiful country within the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi – protection, partnership and participation. Mere makes commentary on te ora/the life cycle by primarily using found metal sourced from marine and nature reserves. In returning discarded material from the whenua/land and te moana/sea back to tangata/man Mere is following tikanga Māori, the practice of mana/respect for the mauri/life force and acknowledging our whakapapa/cultural identity and genealogy.
Through her social arts practice Mere aims to provide a metaphorical marae; a conceptual and physical meeting place for people to hui/gather, koerorero/discuss and create environmental solutions together. Her workshops engage viewers to become participants and kaitiaki/active guardians as they upcycle waste materials into community taonga/treasure.
Her jewellery/wearable art explores the concept of shared guardianship for our beautiful country within the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi – protection, partnership and participation. Mere makes commentary on te ora/the life cycle by primarily using found metal sourced from marine and nature reserves. In returning discarded material from the whenua/land and te moana/sea back to tangata/man Mere is following tikanga Māori, the practice of mana/respect for the mauri/life force and acknowledging our whakapapa/cultural identity and genealogy.
Through her social arts practice Mere aims to provide a metaphorical marae; a conceptual and physical meeting place for people to hui/gather, koerorero/discuss and create environmental solutions together. Her workshops engage viewers to become participants and kaitiaki/active guardians as they upcycle waste materials into community taonga/treasure.