Art

I want to share something very special with you – two ancient natural resources that my ancestors utilised hundreds of years ago in their everyday lives and that I am using today in a very unique and exciting way.

But before I do this, let me tell you about myself as an artist and about my creative journey.

My name is Jo Tito and I am a Maori visionary artist and photographer from Aotearoa NZ who is passionate about helping people and creating unique works of art with natural resources that are good for me and good for the environment. I also specialise in personalised works of art that enable people to share their personal stories with their loved ones – in a work of art!

I have consciously been creating art for the past 15 years but I do believe that my ability to create visionary art has always been a part of me. I have vivid memories as a child being in nature, creating from the natural resources around me and feeling very much at home in the forest and beside the sea.

I am inspired by my ancestors who shared our stories orally; who transformed these stories into beautiful works of art that can be seen all around the world today. I do believe that this gift of storytelling through art has been handed down to me.

When I first decided that I wanted to work with these natural resources I didn’t realise that what I was learning was going to set me on a path to creating art works that would help people connect with their stories in a unique and special way and at the same time be caring for them and the environment.

These ancient renewable resources have had a huge affect on my life and the lives that have gone before me. Today you will read some exclusive information about how you too can also experience these amazing resources in your own home.

Read here for more information on kohatu

Visit Jo’s personal digital story here