TITLE: Kōhanga
MATERIAL: Velvet texture Matte, 100% cotton
SIZE: A4 Print, 310gsm

Theresa Reihana
Ngāpuhi

Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Te Rapunga te whare tupuna
Ko Kawiti te rangatira,
Ko Theresa Reihana tōku ingoa.

I am an artist who uses art to share a message. My appreciation of my culture, my whānau and my surroundings are the inspiration for my art.

I don’t lack for inspiration; it’s finding enough time to paint.
I draw my strength from my taha Māori and as I learn more about where I come from and my tūpuna ancestors I feel more compelled to live my life as they would have me. I also have Danish, English and Scottish heritage and am also proud of this lineage.

My belief is that upon this earth we are all one. We should protect, feed and nurture the land for only the land will feed our grandchildren.
 
I also believe that my skill as an artist is a gift, and as such my choices are important as to the path I take in life and the content of my work.

Excerpt from ‘He Puna Roimata’ The story of the journey of a raindrop.
As he continues on his journey he soon meets saltwater where the grasses that line the river edge change and the gravel becomes mud. Mangrove shoots drive up to filter the mud from the brown water. Oysters and cockles filter the particles that have washed down from the land. Baby fish shelter in the shadows of the mangroves with the crabs.  The raindrop emerges crystal clear, hues of blue and green. The golden sands tickle his belly.