Artists
Wood Artist / Wood Turner
Shannon Turuwhenua
A self taught Wood Sculptor based in North Waikato, New Zealand, of Māori (Tūhoe) Scottish and Irish descent.
My artistic process begins with finding the right timbers, both native and exotic, from across the country. I'm passionate about using reclaimed and recycled wood whenever possible, adding another layer of history to my work. Every piece I create is handcrafted, making it truly unique. I draw inspiration from the everyday objects that catch my eye, reimagining them as larger-scale sculptures.
Artist / Printmaker / Photographer
Nyle Turuwhenua
Nyle Turuwhenua’s work explores notions of whakapapa, connection, and mātauranga Māori. For Nyle, developing skills as a weaver has been an important catalyst in her personal and artistic growth, opening pathways to reflect on identity and cultural heritage. Her printmaking practice encapsulates ideas of kaitiakitanga, intergenerational knowledge, and ancestral connection through physical making.
In Nyle’s work, birds and weaving play a key role in the act of kaitiakitanga. Nyle values the tactile and the handmade, embracing the labour involved in printmaking and weaving. Both of these processes involve preparation, repeated actions, and physical dexterity, which sometimes leads to hands that are calloused and cut. For Nyle, art making is a labour of love, a journey of discovery, and a practice that fosters deep connections to self, others and whenua.
Artist / Printmaker / Designer
Kirsty Turuwhenua
Kirsty has a background in graphic design and did this for several years before recently transitioning into art. Working from her North Waikato studio, she likes to experiment with printmaking. Everyday objects and nature feature strongly in her work.