Meet Hikurangi Edwards, a kaiwhakairo peita (paint carver) of Ngāruahine, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-Ā-Apanui and Ngāpuhi descent. Through her unique carving technique, Hikurangi draws on deep whakapapa and storytelling traditions to create works that honour the past, capture the present and look to the future.
As she prepares for her return to the NZ Art Show, Hikurangi invites us behind the scenes to share more about her journey, her inspirations, and what it means to bring these stories to life through her art.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Of Ngāruahine, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-Ā-Apanui and Ngāpuhi descent, I’m a kaiwhakairo peita, paint carver. I use this medium to tell stories of my culture, drawing on the past, through to the present and future. I’m fortunate in being from so many iwi rich in history and whakapapa. I use all of these hononga (connections) in my art.
How long have you been art-making – and what drew you to it?
I started this particular art form in 2021, a month after having our second child. I attended a workshop with the original paint carver Hannah Jensen and loved how the technique gave me an outlet for all the stories I need to tell.
How, when and why did you get involved with the show? What keeps you coming back each year?
I first worked with the show in 2023 as a SOLO artist and then in 2024 took the plunge to become a SAW artist. I’ll be back again as a SAW artist this year. I’ve always felt so welcome and well cared for by all the NZ Art Show team. The show provides me with so many opportunities to connect with art lovers, other makers and creators and galleries all across Aotearoa.
What role does the NZ Art Show play in your year/artistic practice?
The NZ Art Show is my main show each year. I may add one smaller show later in the year but otherwise, this is it.
Outside of my online profiles or any of the galleries I’m represented by, the NZ Art Show is the main way I connect directly with the art community. I also work full-time and just don’t have the availability to attend other shows.
The first half of my year is pretty busy!
What are you most looking forward to about being part of this year’s show?
I really love reconnecting with other artists who have become friends over the last few years. Sharing techniques and approaches. I also love connecting with art lovers and people who follow my work online. I love when they come up and tell me how they’ve been following my work over the last few years. That’s really special.
What does a typical day in the life look like for you right now as you get ready for this year’s show?
Day to day I leave my making until late evening when my two boys are in bed. Fridays and the weekends are my art days where I try and get through as much as possible.
What’s motivating and inspiring you right now?
My art is fully inspired by stories from my tīpuna me te taiao (the environment from a Māori worldview). There’s so much to draw on – I don’t think I’m at risk of running out!
Without giving too much away – what are you working on right now for the show?
I have a range of works underway, a few different styles and a few brighter colours compared to the muted tones I took to the show last year.
How does art help you ‘get lost’?
The carving practice of mahi whakairo peita is so meditative. I really look forward to it at the end of a long busy day.
How do you think/hope your art helps your collectors/appreciators to ‘get lost’?
My hope is that art lovers ‘get lost’ in the curves of each koru contrasted by the carved lines, all of which tell a story that I hope they can relate to.
