About the Tutor

Ashlee Tawhiti ( BDVA, GDesDIP ) is a contemporary Māori artist who has exhibited in NZ and internationally. She has achieved 3 solo shows and a handful of group shows since graduating in 2015. Ashlee has 8 years in arts education experience with diverse learning environments, philosophies and needs from students. Ashlee now manages the Aotea community Art Gallery on Great Barrier Island, NZ. She is involved with the local schools and high school to teach the NZ arts curriculum. She is passionate about connecting the small off grid and sometimes isolated community to the Arts. I am so privileged to be able to come and make life long connections with the Fondation staff and Ni-van Artists. Vanuatu is so rich in culture and happiness which should be shared with the world.

About the Medium of Collography.

The humble Collagraph is a low-tech printmaking medium which traditionally allows intaglio prints to be generated without the use of acid or tar-based resist solutions, whilst providing a full range of mark-making opportunities. Essentially, the medium explores the possibilities to ‘construct’ and shape intaglio printing plates upwards, rather than just by incision, as well to build images by assemblage of discrete elements
in a collage-kind of way.

What we did.

Using the technique of Collograph printing, students created printing plates from recycled cardboard
and PVA glue, gathering their inspiration from their culture and Islands. With the aim to print a small scale
run of single and layered prints. Students experimented with ephemeral flora to extend the collographic process. Layering prints with an added collage element aimed to create contemporary graphic diverse prints. To enhance depth on finished prints we used the Gold Leaf process. Through repeated imagery/symbols/patterns the students created final works and cards for sale and exhibition.

I gave my women an ornate and textured background using stencils, stamps and metallic paint. I loosely base the faces on photos found on internet or in my sketch book then i leave my brushes take over, the shapes and the color become my master.

My work follows an instinctive and logical path and each new series come from the last one. My lines are contemporary; i leave the distortions not seeking realism.

Those women belong to my private kingdom built piece after piece for 30 years.