'My dream was always to be a tattoo artist. Today when I reflect on my practice I love that every day I get to Tā Moko Papatūānuku’
Stevei Houkāmau is a full time artist based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara that works predominantly in Uku (Clay).
In 2021, Houkāmau decided to make the move into working as an artist in a full time capacity. As a full time artist Houkāmau has been researching and developing the core kaupapa of her practice 'Whakapapa' which examines the connections and relationships that move across time and space, and through form and design.
Her practice is distinctive for its carved surface designs that draw upon Tā Moko and Tātau. Used to amplify the curvature of the vessels, these markings also act as a visual language encoded with knowledge, genealogy and connect with legacies of Māori making, migration from Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa, and kinship ties with Atua.
Stevei won the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture award in 2023.