Lisa Rua
Kia ora, born in Auckland, New Zealand and raised in Hamilton, I left home at a young age travelled and lived all over the country. I have been to almost every township from top to bottom of our beautiful country, enjoying the diversity of our people and places. I began my study in Toi Māori in the late 90’s when I took a break from the academic and corporate career I once pursued, and have not looked back since.
I’ve worked in bone, wood, pounamu and acrylic paint. Along this journey I met my husband John Rua. We found a way to communicate despite his deafness and eventually became inseparable.
My art is mainly a hobby and I take great pleasure in supporting my husband in his work. Mainly ensuring his home life is in order to enable him to spend the hours needed in his workshop, but from time to time I am honoured to be able to help with finishing touches on some of his big projects. This includes painting the intricate designs on completed carvings, sanding and polishing the wood, bone or pounamu. John taught me art of kowhaiwhai design and I love being immersed in this art form.
Nowadays I work from home managing website content and design. Hence the idea came to fruition to build a website for John, so that he may leave a lasting legacy to be shared and enjoyed by people all around the world.
If you are an indigenous artist and would like to be considered for this site please contact us. Mauri Ora!
Upoko Wahine. Ancient swamp kauri with Southland pounamu
$1500
