Kai Tahu
Rona trained as a painter and graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts. She exhibits her paintings regularly at various galleries through out New Zealand, including The Lane Gallery, Catchment Gallery, Mia Gallery and Te Toi o Tahuna.
The interplay between art and craft has been and aspect of Rona’s work. Her first embroidered quilt was made for her youngest daughter Ngaio Matariki for her birth in 2001. This piece started as a textile exploration of culture and identity that culminated in the opening of Native Agent in 2004, with her partner Dan and his mother Lindsay.
Symbols of early currency and trade – woollen blankets, muskets, hei tiki and feathers are regular motifs in her work.
Themes of colonisation and heritage are explored in her military inspired shirts and jackets, which at times have been so popular they are sold before they can even make it on to the racks. Rona also frequently makes garments to order which can add more personal touch, sometimes utilising buttons, medals or other elements supplied by the customer. “This enhances the story-telling aspects of the piece, which is really satisfying”.
This year Rona’s practice has been enhanced with the tautoko of her long time friend and collaborator Paula Collier. Together they have been polishing and developing the quilts, cushions, blankets and clothing that epitomise the Native Agent aesthetic.
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