TWILIGHT EDWARDS
Twilight Edwards
Photographer: Jos Wheeler
Alex Nathan (Te Roroa) and Twilight Edwards (Ngāti Hau, Te Kapotai)
TAIOHI 2021
Ko Huruiki me Kapowai ngā maunga
Ko Whakapara me Waikare ngā awa
Ko Ngāti Hau me Te Kapotai ngā hapū
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Whakapara me Te Turuki ngā marae
Ko Te Ihi Nehua me Te Aaranga o Te Paa ngā whare tupuna
Twilight is a jewellery maker but she also loves other forms of creativity such as photography, modelling, weaving, flower arranging, digital art and metal stamping.
She is a problem solver and a creative ideas person, whether it’s figuring out systems, helping set up businesses or finding the right people to help her get ideas realised.
Twilight is working on electroforming which is turning metals and other natural components into jewellery which is a difficult thing to do in New Zealand right now because of the struggle to find the right materials.
She pays tribute to the people who have influenced her such as her nanny from Waikare and others such as Rangi Kipa.
A priority for Twilight is keeping traditional art forms alive.
Twilight has completed a 6 day Hiriwa Apprenticeship with matua Alex Nathan, learning foundational silversmithing and overlay techniques. Nga mihi nui to the Northland Community Foundation Grassroots fund ma te putea tautoko. To hear more about Twilight's experience read here:
Alex and Twilight were introduced at the Tai o Hī Tai o Hā Wananga tuatahi at Waiwhatawhata marae in Hokianga. Alex shared a visual presentation of his 40 year career and stories of his travels, exhibitions, networks and historical moments and the different kaupapa he has been involved in as an integral contributor to the evolution of ngā toi Māori.
Twilight has been working in silver and making jewelry since she was 10, which she has successfully sold. Alex taught Twilight the fundamentals of silversmithing over the 6 days they spent together at his home studio, sharing mātauranga, korero and their passion and eye for detail.
‘There was no clear starting point for me as an artist, I have always done it and perhaps it started when I was at school. In terms of mahi hiriwa (silver work) it started in '91 at a wananga at Sandy Adsett's marae, Te Huki located at Raupunga, and attended by Sandy, Bob Jahnke, Jacob Scott, Lionel Grant, Wi Taepa and Paddy Te Whata. Para Matchett, Derek Lardelli and Eric Tamepo and others were also present for a short time. Michael Kabotie (Hopi Silversmith, painter and poet) was invited to attend and he shared his skills and Hopi traditions. Working with Michael was the turning point when I started working with silver.
As a senior artist on this kaupapa I see my role is to impart knowledge and make it available to young artists coming through, as we always have with other hui in the north, such as Ngaru Nui Ngaru Roa at Matatina Marae, and Kōkiri Pūtahi at Kohewhata Marae. Because I work in silver, it’s a non-traditional material so it can seem a bit left field, but to me that’s part of the attraction. I’m able to incorporate traditional designs and motifs into a non-traditional material. Who knows, in 100 years when they look back it may be considered as traditional!’ Alex Nathan, mentor
‘Matua Alex taught me so much during my time with him it’s hard to pick just one thing. He taught me a lot of jewellery and metalworking basics. I learned how to use the new tools to carve into metal, solder silver, and many other new techniques. After many hours of using the hand saw and lots of broken blades, I was able to start creating pieces using his overlay technique.
He spoke about the stories behind our Māori patterns and designs. He showed me how to implement some of the designs that I already had and make them come to life. But one of the most incredible things was he graciously shared with me the unique overlay technique that he learned from the Hopi First Nations people.
I was very fortunate to have Alex share his Mātauranga of making jewellery and art but also on the business side of things. Everything that I learned from Alex I will use every day in my studio work. The knowledge, tips, and techniques that he shared with me came from his years of practice, and I could have only learned from him.
This has been an invaluable experience and opportunity. I’m very grateful for all of the time, knowledge, kindness, and patience Alex shared with me. I have learned so much, and I know that I will take all of this knowledge with me in the future. I have new skill sets to broaden my horizons, deepen my understanding of the market, look after my business and myself as an artist.’ Twilight Edwards, taiohi apprentice
‘I am very impressed with her focus, attitude and work ethic… I would happily work with her again.’ Alex Nathan, mentor