Amy Sao Tui

I am Amy Sao Tui, contemporary Pacifica artist from Taranaki, NZ Born Samoan decent. My art explores my missing links of growing up with out knowledge of my bloodline and culture, filling gaps that have been left open with question marks. My work is my feelings woven into story telling representing both physical and spiritual dimensions, self-growth, learning and evolving through our life on earth. I love to represent Aotearoa in my work using native wood. The Rimu tree stands tall and strong, has a strong spiritual presence amongst the forest, a protected fauna. A representation of ancestral strength and carrying that presence and knowledge on our earth journey. The technique used to transfer my designs onto the wooden panels is much like the traditional Samoan Tatau (tattoo), I then use vibrant and textured wool that is locally sourced, hand dyed and spun creating really unique story panels.