Maia McDonald is a cross disciplinary artist working primarily in uku (clay). Within Te Ao Māori many subjects have a lineage or history attached to them that can be known as whakapapa. This artwork is a preliminary drawing for a work in clay which was exhibited in New York and can be understood through the lens of whakapapa. Within Maia’s practice she seeks knowledge from ‘Te Kore’, to draw stories out into the light and unravel their potential in a positive way.

Hāpu, or creation, through the birth of a child, is analogous to the whakapapa of clay. Uku is Papatūānuku, mother earth from which springs all life. Through the direct and free flowing use of ink and coffee in the artworks presented here the viewer can sense McDonald’s connection to our earth mother, the one who allows us our tūrangawaewae.

Maia McDonald has exhibited in New Zealand and abroad. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photo Media at Massey University Wellington, and in 2017 received a Diploma in Māori Art and Design, having studied under Māori master uku artist, Wi Taepa. While completing her studies in Porirua, she initiated and was responsible for running the Wellington Clay Collective.