Collection: Vanessa Wairata Edwards

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Whakatohea & Ngāti Kuri

Vanessa graduated from Taupo Quay School of the Arts, majoring in Printmaking. In 2004 Vanessa attended her first International Indigenous wananga, Te Mata. She is a founding member of Toi Whakataa. Over the last 10 years, Edwards has worked predominantly in drypoint. More recently Edwards has started working in the mixed media sgraffito technique of scratching through a dark surface to reveal a light tone beneath.

 Alongside old techniques of sgraffito Edwards is exploring new technology & printmaking, utilising the laser cutter & seeing how far she could develop her image making through laser cutting collaged imagery into her solid wood & collaborating with others to cut into the negative space to reflect her concept. Edwards has recently completed her Post Grad Diploma in Māori Visual Arts through Toioho ki Apiti, Massey University, under the supervision of Kura Te Waru-Rewiri.

She is also a full-time secondary school art teacher & works to create opportunities for rangatahi to explore their identity & ability through the visual arts.

We are proud to support Vanessa Wairata Edwards!