Uku to the rescue.

So with many attempts with the dremel and carving/etching hue, I have found that for the results I want, more practise is needed.  Being the problem solver that I am and a strong believer in tino rangatiratanga, I decided to resort back to the media I know best... UKU!

I made the connection between whakairo and uku by pulling out one of my old visual diaries of my Applied Arts in Craft Design journey.  In looking at two of my greatest mentors Colleen Urlich and in particular Manos Nathan I gave myself the green light to go ahead and practise my whakairo skills using clay.

Manos Nathan a renown Uku AND whakairo artist was skilled in carving his uku taonga.  It was my passport to continue the journey in learning to carve using clay.  The epiphany came whilst watching Mike Matchitt's tutorials oh his Whakairo facebook page.  Mike started carving soap so we (beginners) could learn to use the chisel/knife and cutting techniques like 'check cuts'.  He explains that the cuts are similar to how you would use your chisel.

So I went and grabbed a bag of clay and had a go at using the clay.  What I have found in my haste is that I need to wait until the clay is leather hard before attempting to carve it so the cuts are clean - a fact I have ALWAYS known when working with uku.  But, I was so keen on having a tutu, I still found the process helpful in my learning.  My first attempt was at carving a raperape design.  I instantly made the mistake of cutting on the wrong angle.  So on my second attempt I made the changes I needed to so that it looked similar to Mike's tutorial.

 

So I've decided to work on 3 different taonga pūoro.  A contemporary koauau (contemporary due to its shape), a putorino and a hue puruhau - all using uku instead of traditional materials.  I am excited to be working with clay again and believe I can complete these pieces whilst gaining skills in whakairo.  Loving this journey <3.