Maori Artist Showcase: Amio Toro
I am a proud Ngāti Porou Artist, evolving traditional Toi Māori artistry in my use of my own unique style and design.
I pay homage to the Gods, our ancestors, these lands and our people - by the telling of our rich history and culture - through the use of abstract forms of Kōwhaiwhai, Whakairo, Raranga & Tā Moko.
I want to share my work with everyone and hope they will treasure and pass on these taonga to their future descendants.
I carve for the people, and the community, and try to inspire Māori, in the hope that when they gaze on my mahi, it is with awe, and that they grow prouder and feel connected to our beautiful culture.
As part of my journey, I have carved many pieces for exhibition and galleries... But the projects I am most proud of are for community, charities and kura, and knowing how many tamariki and their whānau will see them through the generations and will be for some, especially urban Māori, the first physical symbol of māoritanga in their lives.
I want to mihi to tohunga Māori that came before me and inspired me to walk this path, greats like Hone and Pine Taiapa, Paki Harrison, Lyonel Grant, Cliff Whiting and Derek Lardelli, who have forged the great new era of mahi toi maori.... Ngā mihi whanaunga...
Tihei Mauri Ora
Ko Amio Toro Taku Ingoa
Ko Hikurangi Te Maunga
Ko Waiapu Te Awa
Ko Horouta Te Waka
Ko Tuwhakairiora Te Tangata
Ko Ngāti Porou Tū Tonu Te Iwi
Nō Reira, Tēnā Koutou, Tēnā Koutou, Kia Ora Tātou Katoa
Email Amio Toroamiotoroxl@gmail.com
Maori art and design by Amio Toro Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maoriartamiotoro/
Click the thumbnail images below to view Amio's work in full