DEPOT Artist
Shaun Tiria
Cook Island Māori / NZ Māori / NZ European
Shaun was born with an appreciation for art and pursuing art at secondary school, ventured into architecture and after becoming qualified as an Architectural Draftsperson, spent 30 years working in the building industry. Now with a renewed vigour to express creativity along with a lifetime of acquired practical skills is mixing carving, sculpture, fabrication and design into beauty, Art and taonga that will serve as a legacy. Heavily inspired by Nature and influenced by the water element, we see the love for Pacific Arts and the passion and responsibility to recycle, believing that everything has a history that needs to be preserved.
Having strong practical and fabrication skills, we find recycling mixed medias such as native Rakau, Metals and any natural materials considered Taonga as the theme for many inspired work pieces. The places of origin, the historic use or a means of gathering all create a story which can inspire conversation that contribute towards educating and reviving culture.
Covid provided the catalyst that led to creating commissioned unique bespoke Taonga from home and opened up a wave of creativity and the venture into Whakairo Rakau. This in turn has provided the motivation to appreciate all art forms and the desire to be study and be among mentors and peers.
