" ko Kereama, taku papa; ko Beryl, taku mama;
ko Hikurangi, te maunga; ko Waiapu, te awa;
ko Ngati Porou, te iwi;
ko Wendy Whitehead taku ingoa "
I've been a 'maker' all my life, and my hands still bear the scars of those early exploits in my Dad's shed with the chisel !
I was born and raised in Napier, NZ, was a Public Servant for a
number of years, and then in 1989 I found my path lead to the Hawkes Bay Community College.
Since that Craft Design Course, I have been on a wonderful journey of discovery.
Contemporary wearable artworks and small sculpture are the
objects that I like to create the most.
Metal – silver, gold, titanium, aluminium, copper
Stone – pounamu (greenstone), greywacke, argillite
Shell – paua (abalone)
Fibre – muka (flax), wool, nylon
plus rubber, harakeke (flax), wood, and feather
are SOME of my favourite media.
Therefore, the artworks featured here are just a small sample of the type of Jewellery that I can create.
My Maoritanga is at the heart of my mahi - I am a licensed user of the 'toi iho maori-made' mark, which guarantees Authenticity and Quality work, created by a person of Maori descent.
I enjoy the challenge of the creative process, and frequently use my design and media skills, across many 2 and 3D areas.
As an Artist, I have participated in many Exhibitions, Symposia, collaborations, and Hui, both nationally and internationally.
I feel greatly honoured to have received recognition for some of this.
As a Tutor, I have taught numerous media subjects at a number of educational institutes, throughout the North Island, NZ.
My art education company has held NZQA PTE Registration and Accreditation, Level 5 Craft - an achievement I am very proud of.
please feel free to contact me with any enquiries
enjoy





