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Ochre Workshop
Over several days participants came to learn about traditional pigment preparation, techniques rarely used at that time. The workshops were free of charge, instead a gift exchange (koha) was advertised so that we all brought with us something to add to lunch. They painted their own images on tiles using traditional methods available locally. There was a sense of open conversation and exchange of ideas.
Pacific Studios Residency
An award of this residency from the Wellington Festival Fringe 2014, gave me an opportunity to experiment with pigments and oils on limestone, to test colour and durability. I collected mixed native woods to make an assortment of charcoal sticks. Each of these, and collected ochre, I applied separately to limestone tiles with 3 different native oils from both bird and fish, that I had also prepared.
Artist's Apron
To reach rural groups required mobility and stream lining of materials for proposed workshops. The apron contained a charcoal maker, shark oil, ochre and collecting tools.
Backpack
The back pack contained pigment grinding stones similar to those used traditionally.
Building a Structure
A mixture of participants' images with my experimental tiles were assembled to become a free standing structure.
Rangi's Wall
A 3 meter high wall of limestone tiles built with the assistance of participants and left to weather was named in honour of a Waitaha elder whose family had helped my project from the start.
The Other Side
On the reverse of the paintings is the information about the drawings and experimental pieces. The wall was photographed annually to visually compare weathering.
Findings
The tiles with pigment and oil combinations were catalogued and observed for alterations in colour with weathering. Over time a section that I had sprayed gently with a hose had faded. The rest of the wall is less faded when exposed to weathering naturally. This is relevant to tribal claims because where tap water is applied to the drawings rapid deterioration occurs. A practice of guides at this time was to spray water to make drawings more visible for tourists.
Giving Back Findings
Part of the expectations from rural Māori groups who gave me permission to collect ochre was to give back findings. Their ochre was analysed (in Australia) and sites identified. This information would enable later identification of artefacts painted with ochre.
Returned
Participants across the country were met with, when the wall was complete and annual observations undertaken, to receive a booklet that explained the entire project and its results.
Project
Participants' video
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