leonie sharp

(Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Whakatoea, Whanau Apanui, Ngati Porou)

Leonie Sharp received marae-based training in the techniques and traditions of Maori feather weaving and incorporates this into her art. Although her tutors’ practice was very traditional, they encouraged her to explore representing traditional Maori weaving in a more contemporary fashion. Leonie has been a full-time artist since 2002, and during this time she has explored different colours, themes and textures, using natural feathers and techniques that allow the feathers to express their inherent beauty.

In her sacred symbols series, she explores symbols that feature across cultures and different eras. The matte boards within the frames are cut in such a way to allow the feathers beneath to express their natural colour and depth, delineated by the contour of the object profiled.

The Peaceful Cross, or the square cross, is a universal symbol found in every culture with a knowledge of the passage of time, such as the Ancient Celts, Greeks, and Hopi Indians. This cross represents several things to different cultures; protection, a meeting place of the divine, the passage of time, birth and death, the four elements, and directions.

Toki (adze, hand axe) symbolizes power and triumph in times of misfortune. Toki pendants were worn by Maori elders or chiefs (Rangatira) and other highly ranked individuals with mana.

Hei Matau is a stylised fishhook based on the jaw bone used by Maori demigod Maui to fish up the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Hei-Matau are symbols of power and authority, they represent prosperity, abundance, fertility and strength. They are also seen as good luck charms, particularly for those traveling over water.

Kaka Poria is a stylised bird tethering ring used by Maori in Aotearoa New Zealand to tether tame kaka (native parrots) to attract birds for eating. Commonly made from Pounamu or green stone, Kaka Poria often became valued family heirlooms and were passed down from generation to generation.

Ipu translates as a container or vessel, however, not just a physical vessel also metaphysical, the section of moko reserved for chiefs was ipurangi- the container of (Skyfather) Rangi’s knowledge. Ipu Taonga literally means “a container or vessel for a treasure or precious item". Māori traditionally bury the placenta of a newborn baby in a special place, returning the whenua to (Earthmother) Papatuanuku. This was often done in vessels called ipu whenua, which were originally made from gourds. The koru shape in the ipu denotes the treasure contained within.

Manawanui can be translated as brave, steadfast, tolerant, patient, unwavering, resolute, committed, and dedicated.

All artworks are signed on the front.

MANAWANUI Series

Mixed Media. Measures 35cm x 35cm.

$640

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PŪTĀTARA SERIES

Mixed media. Measures 61cm x 39cm.

$1,500

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BLACK PEARL #2

Mixed media. Measures 53cm x 49.5cm.

SOLD

MANAIA Series

Mixed media. Measures 35cm x 35cm.

$640

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TOKI Series

Mixed media. Measures 35cm x 35cm.

Mixed media. Measures 52cm x 42.5cm.

SOLD

PATA MARANGAI (raindrops)

Mixed media. Measures 93cm x 75cm.

SOLD

“Pata marangai are raindrops, which the individual shapes in this artwork are fashioned after. The overall shape is pātikitiki, the Māori name for Flounder and also an important dark nebula near the Milky Way known as ‘The Coal Sack’. The Coal Sack is a dark region to one side of the Southern Cross. To the naked eye it looks like a hole in the Milky Way. This ‘hole’ forms a patiki or diamond shape and tohunga prophesied that the patiki swings in its position according to the forthcoming weather. When the diamond lies parallel to the Milky Way, expect fine weather, and when the diamond points away from the Milky Way, expect wet weather.”

tauwhirowhiro Series

Mixed media. Measures 80cm x 61cm.

SOLD

ipU (VESSEL)

Mixed media. Measures 73cm x 53.5cm.

SOLD

SOLD

Parker Gallery - 90 Achilles Avenue, Nelson, New Zealand - 03 539 4280