Te Aroha Tauroa is a multifaceted artist whose creative journey spans painting, sculpture and weaving. With a degree from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in painting, she blends traditional techniques with personal innovation. Te Aroha’s artistic practice is deeply connected to emotion and memory, often drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences and the connections she forms with others. In her weaving work, Te Aroha embraces imperfections, transforming a challenging project into a sculptural art form. This innovative approach reflects her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative possibilities.

“I create for me… anything that brings joy, appreciating art, that’s creativity. It fires the brain, gets you expressing joy.”

Te Aroha’s passion for art extends beyond her personal practice. She works with people with additional needs and collaborates with local kōhanga, helping to create culturally significant art that reflects the identity and values of the community. She values these interactions, believing that creativity is about expressing joy and emotion, whether it be through a small commission, a public art project or an exhibition.

For Te Aroha, art is not just about creating pieces for sale but about engaging with others, sparking emotion and fostering a sense of connection. Through her work, she continues to explore the positive energy that creativity brings, whether it’s through painting, sculpture or her ongoing exploration of weaving.