Maori Artist Showcase: Painter, Sculptor and Ta Moko Artist, Thomas Clark
Ko Hikurangi te Maunga
Ko Waiapu te Awa
Ko Ngati Porou Toku Iwi
Ko Apirana te Tangata
Tena Koutou Katoa
Thomas Clark is a well-respected Māori artist whose formal training and applied practice allows him to cross several artistic disciplines – Tā Moko (Traditional Markings on Skin), Kirituhi (Applied Skin Design), Rauangi (Abstract Painting), Whakairo Uku (Clay Sculpture).
Thomas undertook his formal training in 2004 and successfully completed it in 2007 at the internationally renowned Toihoukura School of Māori Visual Art and Design.
While there he met and worked with exponents who helped develop nurture and inspire his creative practice.
He reflects – “I feel very fortunate and humbled to have studied at Toihoukura and I have to give special thanks to the ‘Moko Monks’, both Derek Lardelli and Mark Kopua for opening up their hearts and sharing with me their valuable time and knowledge, in regards to design, manaakitanga, tikanga and the importance of Health & Safety procedures, I am so grateful and appreciate all that I have learnt from them both.
