Public Arts

2018 The Dark Arts Exhibition

Misfit Porcelain, mixed media

Annabelle Porcelain, mixed media

2015 Fish out of water

This is Senior Citizen “Granny” she loves to share and reminisce. A table has been set ready for you; to sit, to talk, to listen, to sing or perhaps shed a tear or two.

Social interaction is a transaction between two or more individuals and is a component of society. Reminiscing (go over in one’s memory) is a stimulating activity that promotes social interaction. Jane Johnson-Matua (2015). Granny recycled, discarded, pre-owned, pre-loved materials that implement to transform to a new life; sustainability is meant to last forever.


Public Art – “Granny”, Fish out of water, a unique and memorable fish to be released into the inner-city streets as part of the annual Rotorua fish trail, where they will cavort during the festive summer season.

Ngongotaha Project

2008 ngongotaha project

The project is situated in the township on Steam Island at Ngongotaha, located 10 km northwest of the Rotorua city.

The area was cleared with native trees and a flax plantation established. The area is occupied by wildlife; trout that spawn and make their way to Lake Rotorua and variety of native birds. Three large boulders (7, 8 and 9 feet tall) were collected from Mt Ngongotaha then worked onsite. Fired Rotorua wild clay tablets were inserted sealed with resin. The intention is that the forest growth will eventually over tower the giant boulders, and be in awe when you come across these giants.

This project is Kaitiake (Guardian), a whanau (family) male, female and a child.

2001 X-Ray department Rotorua Hospital

This mural affirms life, health, and energy. Some of these figures are naturalistic, and some derive from Maori carved figures such as the tiki, manaia, and marakihau. They represent a fusion of the spiritual and physical.

The figures dance/ fly/ float/ tumble in playful patterns, generating a sense of exuberance and vitality. This vitality is echoed in the growth symbolism of the kape (plant) motifs that surround them.

A collaborative work painted in 2001 by Certificate in Art students designed by art tutor Debbi Thyne