Tu Wairua Art Studio

Tu Wairua Art Studio is a home- based art studio where I'm currently been creative. I am open to the public and occasional art trails, by appointment only. On these open days we will have other local artists exhibiting in the gallery for your perusal and while you browse in the ambience of my home, a hot cuppa will be on offer if you wish.

Profile

Kia Ora, my name is Naomi Leonard and I am a full-time, Contemporary Maori Visual Artist of mixed media and Weaver of Harakeke Fibre (NZ Flax).

Born 1955, I’m of Rarotongan, Cook Island and Maori heritage. My tribal affiliations are the Takitimu and Te Arawa waka, through Waitaha and Ngati Ranginui. My Cook Island tribal affiliations are the Takitimu through Ngati Tinomana and my Hapu is Noa. I am a mother of four children and a grandmother of four, and currently reside in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa, New Zealand.

I’m a self taught Raranga Weaver, Graphic designer and Artist of Mixed Media that include, Contemporary Painting, Printmaking, Stone sculpture and Technical art. In 2004 I graduated from YMCA community college, Tauranga in Contemporary Art Craft & Design, majoring in painting and weaving.

Since 1995 I have widely exhibited in New Zealand, Italy, Holland, USA, Hawaii, Australia, Rapanui (Easter Island), Rarotonga Cook Islands, Argentina and recently at the Erie Art Museum, New York, USA including the Thorne- Sagendorph Art Gallery, Keene State University, New Hampshire, USA. The curator of these exhibitions was the John Royal Art Gallery, New York.

My acknowledgements to all those who have shared their support and contributed to my creativity through these years, I give my heart felt thanks and gratitude. You have all empowered my understanding of our cultures with our indigenous peoples through creating art.