Coromind ArtWorks Fest: Tuesday, 9th January

JT Tahatika is a self-taught artist whose creative journey spans painting, tattooing, street art, and realism. Originally from Christchurch, JT, along with his wife and three children, visited Te Whitianga a Kupe in early 2020. Enchanted by the stunning beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, the family decided to make it their permanent home.

JT’s artistic style is a vibrant fusion of mediums, characterised by sporadic explosions of colour and an unorthodox approach.

Peter Matai Johnston from Wharekaho. The artist specialises in conversational provocation, aiming to elevate the human experience by encouraging the creation of unorthodox thought patterns derived from extraordinary semantic interpretations. This pursuit is rooted in a personal journey to deepen consciousness and awareness, fostering a profound understanding of people and the universal “One Song” that connects all beings.

Their work often takes the form of multimedia creations, born from the unique context in which they are conceived. These pieces serve as a form of seduction, drawing participants into interactions that result in verbal and physical responses. These contributions then become integral to the evolving artwork, expanding its narrative and offering new material for exploration. This dynamic process provides a fertile ground for delving into the workings of the minds involved in the moment.

Above all, the artist views humans as the most fascinating art forms, best appreciated through the discipline of relationships. Believing that art is inherently a dialogue, they extend an open invitation for others to engage, observe, and even contribute to the unfolding narrative of their work.

Tenā koutou katoa
Ko Rākautapu me Ruahine me Tararua ōku maunga
Ko Tapawae me Manawatu ōku awa.
Ko Hokianga tōku Moana
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua me Kurahaupō ōku waka
Ko Te Rarawa me Rangitāne  ōku  Iwi
Ko Fiona toku ingoa.
No reira, tena koutou, tēna koutou, tena tātou katoa. 

I started working with clay 3 years ago.  I attended a couple of workshops in Thames, with Richard Naylor, and was hooked.  2 years ago I signed up for classes at Driving Creek Pottery and attended 5 terms and a few workshops. I also recently completed a 4 week residency there. This really helped me find my voice as an artist and allowed me to take an idea through to completion, this being hard in my ‘real life’.  I enjoy throwing but hand building is my passion, as is woodfiring. I love the tactile nature of having my hands in the uku, connecting to my medium.

Get ready to rock with Corrosive Moses, the explosive 3-piece garage punk-rock band hailing from Coromandel, New Zealand!

Join Stewart Pedley on vocals and guitar, Gabriel Johnston on bass and backing vocals, and Leo Magri on drums and backing vocals.

Having graced iconic festivals like Wellington’s Newtown Festival, Auckland’s Ding Dong Lounge cabaret, and Thames’ Green Room, this talented trio knows how to captivate audiences.