Hei-tiki digitised.
Project: Creative, non-commercial.
Often seen as questionable cultural appropriation, I wanted to show my own appreciation for this treasured art form.
I started this project to acknowledge and pay respect to an unexplored part of my own heritage in a digital form. I wanted to respect the hei-tiki - an ornamental pendant, a well known taonga by Māori. Each pixel represents a member of my extended whanau, embracing inclusivity and diversity.
I used the design for several paintings on found objects using this digitised form as a vinyl stencil.
These were respectfully gifted to people to mark their own sacred places or homes.
More info about hei-tiki.
This format was used to create a piece in a vertical stack. With both figures facing in opposite directions ensuring guardianship of its surrounds. Typography was placed in the centre to separate one set of feet from the others head.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Using the same effect, pixel by pixel I created matching type. I didn’t go so far to create an entire font but just enough to create a divider between hei-tiki, when required.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.