ko wai/about us
whakapapa/our story
We are a couple of wahine Māori hobby-artists who enjoy connecting over a bottle paint and some fine art. We have known each other for 11 years, been married for 5 of those years and are māmā to two beautiful, strong-minded, reo-speaking girls (1 & 3 years). We both work full-time during the day and pull the paintbrushes out at night after the kids have gone to bed. What started as a one-off “tutu” with an old board and some test pots has turned into a long-lasting passion for toi Māori.
We draw inspiration from traditional Māori art forms such as raranga, tukutuku, tāniko, whakairo and kōwhaiwhai. Though we both grew up surrounded by these symbols and patterns, our toi journey using them has lead us down a pathway of discovery. We are constantly learning more and more about mahi toi and more importantly the stories that it tells and how it connects us to past, present and future.
We are relatively new to the world mahi toi, however we have become enthusiastic about this mahi and the place that it has in our lives. It has provided a platform for learning, a creative outlet for self-expression and also a common space for two parents to reconnect as we wade through the challenges of life. Our art is about connection – to whakapapa, to whenua and to each other.
The toi space is our online shop and collection of individual and collaborative art pieces. Every piece is unique and holds a different story. We have a range of pieces available to purchase on our “shop” page. To commission a custom piece, please enquire via our “contact” page.
ringatoi/artists
Uriah Kirimaaku Kihi-Coates aka Kid
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Waikato te iwi
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Ngaati Mahuta te hapuu
Ko Waahi Paa te marae
I was privileged to be raised by my mum, nan and koro between the towns of Whatawhata and Raahui Pookeka. In terms of art, it has always been a big part of my life. I come from a whaanau that are passionate about performing arts such as kapahaka and hula, and who also practice a variety of visual art such as painting and taa moko. So it is something that I have always been surrounded by and interested in, but never seriously pursued until now. Drawing and painting are my expressions of choice. I started out doing murals with spray cans and paint pens, but have now branched into other styles and techniques. For me, painting has become a way for me to express what the wairua is feeling and hinengaro is thinking by letting my hands do the talking.
Julia Erena Kihi-Coates
Ko Pūtauaki te maunga
Ko Rangitaiki te awa
Ko Ngāti Awa te iwi
Ko Mataatua te waka
Ko Kōkōhīnau te marae
Born and raised in and around the beautiful communities of TeTeko, Kawerau and Whakatāne, I have spent the majority of my life connected to my kainga tupu - tōku ūkaipō. I am a māmā of two girls and am blessed to be able to raise them in the same place I grew up – beneath our maunga, on our whenua, next to our awa and in our moana. I am passionate about my mahi in the field of nutrition, kai and hauora, however have always been a lowkey creative at heart. I’ve dabbled a little bit in sewing, taniko and cake making over the years, however have recently found painting to be my creative outlet choice at the moment. My wife and I mostly paint once our girls are tucked up in bed and have found it to be such a soothing and relaxing way to disconnect from the chaos of māmāhood, mahi and general life, and reconnect with myself and each other.