Pākati Whakarei

 My new wero is to practise carving whakarei.  Pākati is the first (of many) that I am attempting to improve in.  Ive had a number of lessons from Kawiti and the little videos have been helpful.  There's nothing quite like getting in there a tackling the task at hand.

Last week I started practising.  It's a looooong process but I like the fact that Kawiti is a perfectionist when it comes to pākati so it's great having a tutor that takes the time to try and teach the 'correct' way - he taonga tuku iho from our tūpuna and also a tribute to his own tutor/mentor Eric Korewha.

Here's some photos of my progress:

The thing I'm struggling with is telling those who are trying to share their own knowledge about how to carve pākati that I don't want to do it their way lol.  I'm just too nice.  I appreciate others sharing their knowledge and I sit patiently, watch and listen, but I don't have the heart to say "Well, Kawiti is our tutor and I'm going to do it his way"  Haha!

So this week I've been sharpening my whao and working on pākati.  Here's a comparison I've made of Kawiti's and my pākati.

I need to work on consistency and trying to keep the whakarei centred and sharp.

Getting Started - Toi Paematua Level 5

Our first few lessons were based around whanaungatanga, programme overview and getting the run down on expectations over the year.  We have an awesome class of keen tauira.  Some of us started this year (1st timers) but many are returning students from Level 4 and have a couple years of experience in their 'whakairo' kete.   I'm keen to learn as much as I can from all of them.

We have a well respected kaiako Kawiti Wiremu who is very patient and has a supportive ahua with high expectations.  I look forward to soaking up any knowledge and korero from him and I take my hat off to him for taking on a few 'newbies' who have had little or no carving experience at all.  I'm also super stoked to have Marty Hawkins (Kimiora's darling) in my class on this whakairo journey <3

Im looking forward to developing my 'whakairo' skills and keen to get started.  Kawiti has gone over some of the haehae with us and my first task is to learn which haehae are used for specific designs.  I am very grateful of my brother-in-law "Johnny Cash" and his taonga and lessons he has shared with me over the last 20+ years.  He is my greatest inspiration in Te Ao Whakairo and I believe he is a gifted carver.  I am very grateful for his influence and knowledge. 

Our first project is on Taonga Pūoro a subject I have a special connection to with my uku mahi and working with tamariki (at school).  Working in rākau will be a new wero for me but one I am ecstatic about.  We have been exposed to some fantastic online resources in the way of ETV.  It's become my regular 'watch' looking at videos of Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns.  To be honest I'm both excited and terrified of our first project.  Deciding what to create will be difficult, especially after watching a little carving technique session watching Kawiti.

My first task was to set up a 'space' for whakairo at home.  A task I thoroughly enjoyed.  I was skyping my bro every other day asking for his advice and I can happily say "I'm ready" to rock n roll.  I'm looking forward to receiving my set of chisels and my bro has kindly gifted me is set of 'small' chisels for me to tutu with.  I found a sharpening stone at Napier markets and have my instructions from Johnny on how to sharpen the chisels.  He also said to sharpen one of his old chisels so I can practice on the machines, grinding and then sharpening.  Eeek!

Kupu Hou:

Haehae - slice

Whao - chisel

Kia koi - Be sharp

Current reading:  Tai Tokerau Whakairo Rākau - Northland Māori Wood Carving - Deidre Brown

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