Inside Dessa Bluu’s artistic haven
There’s a big sparkly sign in the shape of a surfboard as you pass the Tairua home of Dessa Bluu. It’s done in mosaic with a Pacific design and is just one of this imaginative artist’s creations.
Tucked at the back of her home is her workshop, where glass mosaic frangipani are propped beside vibrant portraits and florals and dramatic sculptures. Revealing Dessa’s quirky sense of humour are three mosaic heads ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’.
And the mosaics in her garden include a pair of upside-down glittery women’s legs!
A spare room stores more of her work including a stunning piece entitled ‘Reihana’.
It is here you may find her scouring through sheets of stained or iridised and shimmering glass which is fragmented to create her dynamic art.
Dessa’s mother is Samoan, her father a Pākehā, and she grew up with five siblings in Ponsonby when it was a Pacific-Māori community.
“We were poor and had a tough life,” she recalls. “I was a bit of a loner but always searching for the right tribe to be part of. And I loved writing and drawing. Still do.”
In the 1980s, she wanted to attend art school but needed to get a job, so worked in Social Services for Christine Rankin – a woman she much admired. Dessa started painting about 30 years ago. In 2015, she left city life and moved to Tairua, along with second husband Murray. And that’s when she embraced the art of mosaic on a more serious level.
“I bought a couple of books and just knew I’d keep at it. My passion for creating mosaic art stems from its unique ability to assemble narratives reflecting real-life events and experiences. Each mosaic is a quintessence of hidden stories waiting to be unearthed. Every glass fragment contributes to the narrative and the entire composition reveals a story that unfolds as I immerse myself in the work.
“Creating art has always been my sanctuary, a refuge where I can quiet any adverse thoughts and find solace during challenging times. I’m deeply moved by how the creative process has allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and responses. Throughout my life, I’ve harnessed creativity to capture the essence of my struggles and triumphs. The transformative power of creating art has not only healed and strengthened me, but enriched my creative practice over time.”
Dessa recently completed a glass mosaic artwork of a Hibiscus flower, paying homage to the Pacific Islanders who migrated to Ponsonby and Grey Lynn in the 1950s and 1960s and who altered the cultural landscape of those neighbourhoods. Hibiscus trees they planted still stand today, beautiful reminders of their homelands and rich traditions they brought with them.
Creative Tribe
Reflecting on the Coromandel artists that she considers part of her ‘creative tribe’, Dessa says Isabel Gilbert-Palmer is one standout figure in Kūaotunu.
“This creative influencer is behind the Māori and Pasifika art exhibitions. Her sometimes-quirky approach is appealing and she possesses an extraordinary gift – the ability to recognise and nurture the unique potential within artists.
Her impact extends beyond artistic development.
Whangamatā Arts Collective is another beacon of inspiration for Dessa. “Art, by its very nature, is fraught with challenges – yet this collective’s willingness to navigate and understand my miscommunications and misunderstandings with grace is something I deeply respect.
Their professionalism ensures every artist’s work is valued and respected as taonga. The inclusion of local Iwi and artists from beyond their immediate catchment speaks volumes about their commitment and integrity.
“What captivates me most about Whangamatā Arts Collective is its steadfast commitment to nurturing and engaging with younger creatives across all artistic platforms. Recently the collective expanded its inclusion of writers, recognising the profound impact literary arts can have on the creative community.”
“Creative Coromandel and Creative Waikato are true powerhouses in our community,” says Dessa. “They’re the pinnacle for bringing creatives and their communities together. Creative Coromandel, in particular, has provided me with countless opportunities to grow and learn.
“Fiona Cameron, the chair of Creative Coromandel, is the driving force of passion and proactive energy for the arts in the Coromandel. Her dynamic and spirited style envelops the art community with an inclusive and invigorating energy.
“Connections I’ve made in the Coromandel have been transformative. Not everything I create or how I express myself resonates with everyone and that’s just as it should be.
Finding the right people where I feel welcomed and valued has been my journey of growth and discovery.”
Dessa’s work has been displayed at The Art Show Across Aotearoa and she is keen to enter more exhibitions.
Her dream is to tour the world viewing mosaics of famous artists.
“But right now life is good and my art is only getting better and better – well, that’s my perspective!”
Caption: “Reihana” is the name of this stunning mosaic created by Dessa Bluu.
? More pics & art from Fiona at Creative Coromandel
Words by Pamela Ferla
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
Help us take Coromind Magazine to new heights by becoming a member. Click here
Change the Weather for Your Business: Advertise with Us.
Advertise your business in the whole Hauraki Coromandel in the coolest Coromandel Art Magazine, from Waihi Beach/Paeroa /Thames up to the Great Barrier Island.
Advertise Smarter, Not Harder: Get in Touch
