Artist Profile
Michael Angelo
A carver & painter of wooden murals & pictures, most of my inspiration comes from the spiritual aspects of Nature. I express this by combining the disciplines of drawing, carving & painting. I don't plan my artworks - they just flow from my life experiences.
Carving is part of my Maori heritage (my mother's father from Ngati Kahungunu/Te Arawa was a Maori of full blood - a gifted healer – and I too am a healer). Fifteen years ago I trained in traditional Maori wood carving with Tony Kapua at Ohinemutu in Rotorua; he said it was natural for me and I shouldn't put down my tools. I then moved on to work with Te Maru Marsh at Te Poho-o-tangiianui Marae in Napier, followed by 6 months at Mihiroa Marae in Paki Paki, Hawkes Bay.
I was fascinated by the significance of different tribal patterns. I have also completed my Diploma in Art and Creativity with Honours at the Learning Connexion in Wellington.
I now carve in my own unique style, inspired from within. I spent much of my childhood playing among trees, and for many years I was a gardener, so trees, birds, bees, and flowers inspire my work.
I have carved and painted my own free-standing forest with its own fauna. As a person I express my art and inspiration in my daily life.
