Wi Taepa - the role of the artist in the invention of new designs

Wi Taepa, artist from Taranaki talks about his experience at the Hokotehi carving wānanga in 2016 held at Kōpinga marae. Wi was one of the artist tutor who so generously gave his time to help Moriori with the workshop on reviving the art of engraving living trees (rākau momori). Wi reflects on the way that the workshop attendees are working together to think about what is possible to help with the revival and what the role of the artist is in inventing new designs that reflect island life today. He also talks about the privilege and excitement of being an artist from elsewhere working on Moriori whenua working in a collaborative environment to help Moriori. _ Filmed by Luke Frater. Includes tāonga puoro as performed by James Webster and recorded on Rēkohu. Directed and edited by Turi Park for Hokotehi Moriori Trust. © 2016-2018.