Carlton Gallery Exhibition - Simply Harakeke

Lisa M. Passmore uses Harakeke/Native NZ Flax as a medium to explore and develop traditional and contemporary techniques of Maori weaving, raranga and whatu, with a focus on more sculptural forms of known vessels. She has recently started incorporating other global traditional techniques of weaving into her pieces, namely in the ‘cross-culturalism’ series of kete and baskets.

Her primary focus is to showcase the versatility of our endemic Harakeke plant (NZ Flax), and she experiments with different global weaving techniques to gauge its strength and ability to compare with other fibre and weaving plants worldwide.

She first learnt Maori weaving/raranga at Unitec in 2001 under the tutelage of Joy Wikitera and Judy Hohaia, where she cemented her understanding of kete whiri construction, which is now an ongoing exploration for her and an inspiration for bigger sculptural forms.

She then returned to studying Raranga again in 2014 under Kaiako Bibbins Tangitu, (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui) at Te Wananga O Aotearoa, Tauranga Moana, which really ignited her passion for this art form and for researching all things weaving; particularly its connections to her tupuna from Ireland. New projects for the year will consist of more cross-culturalism pieces, with a focus on researching traditional Irish straw, rush and willow weaving whilst making in the medium of Harakeke.

Lisa has a Degree in Art majoring in Raranga, and has a background of painting, carving and weaving.

One of her woven pieces (Cross-Culturalism #1) won a prize at the Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D awards 2020, and her work has been exhibited and sold in many galleries in NZ.