New experiences, decisions, gifts

 

As part of their Matariki Celebrations, Otari-Wilton’s Bush had a group of weavers working at the gardens.

 

 

 

To spend the weekend weaving in such a special setting was a real privilege.  Add to that, the fact that I got to spend time with a weaving friend from Te Roopu Miro and others I had only met briefly before make it a new and very positive experience.

This is the view inside the Leonard Cockayne Centre at Otari-Wilton’s Bush where the weavers were working.

The beautiful kete in the front of the picture were woven by Matthew McIntyre Wilson.  Matthew is well known for his stunning and unique work as a jeweller, working silver and copper in intricate traditional weaving patterns.  Some of his work can be seen in Te Papa’s collection and Masterworks Gallery

I was working on a child sized hieke using left over hukahuka  in the browns of the  earthy hieke I had made earlier.  The dark brown is harakeke that I have dyed.  The lighter colour is neinei.  This is the natural colour of the fallen leaves that are gathered from the ground.

I had taken another project along with me with the idea that seeing it in a different setting would clarify what needed to happen next.  It worked and the answer is that nothing needs to happen next.   I had thought I would add something to represent stars to my night sky hieke, but no, the stars in the taniko band at the top is enough.

When we returned on Sunday Matthew surprised me with a gift of some lacebark (Hoheria) that he had dyed with Tanekaha.  I love the colour, was delighted to receive it and know exactly where I am going to use it.