Growing up on the farm taught her a huge respect for the land, the bush, rivers, and the sea.
Growing up on the farm instilled in Bernadette a profound respect for the land, the bush, rivers, and the sea. These formative experiences steered her towards a career in landscape gardening following a brief stint in office work. By the time she turned 50, a physical injury compelled her to make a substantial change in her path, prompting her enrolment at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Tauranga Moana.
What ensued was a transformative four-year journey delving into the Art of Raranga (Flax Weaving). The influence of Tutor Whaea Bibbins Tangitu on her work is unmistakable. Bibbins, a master of Porohita and Kete, played a pivotal role in shaping her skills. Pursuing her Maunga Kura Toi -Bachelor of Māori Art, she found guidance from another adept weaver, Rawhinnia Gray, who resides in Tauranga.
Bernadette operates from her home; the nature of working with harakeke means her studio extends throughout the house and other work spaces on the property.
The boiling of harakeke occurs in the garage for safety reasons before being set outside to dry in the garden. Once dried, it is hung up in the garage until ready for weaving. Bernadette meticulously processes the harakeke from leaf to split size, often working in the lounge or at a convenient desk, and weaves the pieces on a high bench where she stands to accommodate their size.
Growing up on the farm taught her a huge respect for the land, the bush, rivers, and the sea.
Growing up on the farm instilled in Bernadette a profound respect for the land, the bush, rivers, and the sea. These formative experiences steered her towards a career in landscape gardening following a brief stint in office work. By the time she turned 50, a physical injury compelled her to make a substantial change in her path, prompting her enrolment at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Tauranga Moana.
What ensued was a transformative four-year journey delving into the Art of Raranga (Flax Weaving). The influence of Tutor Whaea Bibbins Tangitu on her work is unmistakable. Bibbins, a master of Porohita and Kete, played a pivotal role in shaping her skills. Pursuing her Maunga Kura Toi -Bachelor of Māori Art, she found guidance from another adept weaver, Rawhinnia Gray, who resides in Tauranga.
Bernadette operates from her home; the nature of working with harakeke means her studio extends throughout the house and other work spaces on the property.
The boiling of harakeke occurs in the garage for safety reasons before being set outside to dry in the garden. Once dried, it is hung up in the garage until ready for weaving. Bernadette meticulously processes the harakeke from leaf to split size, often working in the lounge or at a convenient desk, and weaves the pieces on a high bench where she stands to accommodate their size.
Growing up on the farm taught her a huge respect for the land, the bush, rivers, and the sea.
Growing up on the farm instilled in Bernadette a profound respect for the land, the bush, rivers, and the sea. These formative experiences steered her towards a career in landscape gardening following a brief stint in office work. By the time she turned 50, a physical injury compelled her to make a substantial change in her path, prompting her enrolment at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Tauranga Moana.
What ensued was a transformative four-year journey delving into the Art of Raranga (Flax Weaving). The influence of Tutor Whaea Bibbins Tangitu on her work is unmistakable. Bibbins, a master of Porohita and Kete, played a pivotal role in shaping her skills. Pursuing her Maunga Kura Toi -Bachelor of Māori Art, she found guidance from another adept weaver, Rawhinnia Gray, who resides in Tauranga.
Bernadette operates from her home; the nature of working with harakeke means her studio extends throughout the house and other work spaces on the property.
The boiling of harakeke occurs in the garage for safety reasons before being set outside to dry in the garden. Once dried, it is hung up in the garage until ready for weaving. Bernadette meticulously processes the harakeke from leaf to split size, often working in the lounge or at a convenient desk, and weaves the pieces on a high bench where she stands to accommodate their size.
$1,450.00
$1,450.00
$1,450.00
$290.00
$1,450.00