Te Rangitu Netana

Media: Tattoo, ceramics, wood

What expectations or hopes do you have for your time at Emma Unplugged 2014?

I am looking forward to finding new connections and getting a feel for the indigenous cultures of Saskatchewan. I am excited to work with artists and practitioners that are new to me, and to have the opportunity to push my boundaries creatively. Just to get somewhere different will be exciting.

How have collaborative events influenced you, your art and your creative process?

At the other Collaboration events I have been to, I have left with the feeling that you can achieve more than just making a piece of art. Its awesome to belong to a movement like this. It is an inspiration for more communities like this to be created. Coming from a traditional aspect, it can be confining to be in a tradition, so when you go to these collaborative events, you go from a strict discipline to a freedom. It allows you to explore out of a confined space and its like seeing something for the first time. When I come back to my tradition it enriches it, and helps in finding a new direction, while trying not to damage the integrity of it.

As someone who has attended CollaboratioNZ in the past, what do you think will be different about Emma?

I have no preconceived ideas. This is what I’ve learned from the CollaboratioNZ events I’ve attended; arrive with a totally open mind, as it is what it is.

Who have you met through collaboration?

I have met so many awesome people through CollaboratioNZ. Carl Peverall, Lyonel Grant, Bernard Makoare, Amorangi Hikuroa, Steve Hayward. Working with Carl Peverall was mind blowing, as I never thought I would want to work with clay, and we ended up creating some fantastic pieces, and becoming good friends. I would love to create more pieces with him. Steve Hayward introduced me to Collab, and it is an honour to have met and worked with him. Meeting Lyonel Grant, probably the best master carver in New Zealand, getting to meet, laugh and sing with him, and to consider him a good friend, is an honour also. Amorangi is a talented up and coming Maori clay worker, and a good friend, who I believe is bound for greatness. These guys have one thing in common, they are humble, and in their own ways they have all nourished my life. Carl especially has been a huge influence, his way of being, his silence, and the way he treats not only how he works but his workspace, was inspiring. As it all comes together it is like watching a musician compose a masterpiece. He doesn’t demand for anyone to watch him, but if you miss it, you miss out on seeing a master at work. His knowledge has come from a long and hard understanding of things.

Why do you value that connection and relationship? What have you learned through collaboration?

I have learned that though one person can make a difference, as many people together we can make great changes in the world. Its inspiring to see what is possible, and to get a glimpse into other people’s creative processes. Working like this over a week, day and night, It challenges you, mentally and physically, its a rollercoaster. I think everyone learns lessons about not being precious about your work, you do your part and then you have to let go of it, its great to work without an ego, and break those things down.