Wai - Creativity: Ko wai au? Who am I? From where do my waters flow? Who am I as a creative being? We understand water as life giving for all, flowing, and acknowledge that creativity is a process that has roots and power in the present, a journey that continues on into the future.
Mo ake tonu atu.
I love creating wharariki paper. It is so strong, just like it's whanaunga (relation) harakeke, but much easier to process because the leaves are already soft.
One of the things I love about harakeke is it’s ability to hold water - physically, creatively, spiritually.
I wrote the kōrero below in 2007 while on a digital storytelling course at Scotsdale Community College, Arizona.
Harakeke reminds me of my mother’s hands; each line, embedded with stories. She is the resilient nurturer who stands in all weather.