Natalie Kere turned her childhood love of rock hunting into creating exquisite resin creations and art which has been exhibited in New York, Paris and Spain, with shows in London and Austria later this year.
“To make it to Europe is something I’ve wanted for a really long time,” she admits, “but I don’t really want to brag, I just want to create.”
It is a remarkable achievement for the modest local artist and carver for several reasons, one of them being the fact that she is a woman. “I’ve talked to traditional carvers, and some don’t like the fact that a woman is carving,” Natalie recalls.
“That’s the old school, but I found it only made me more determined.”
In fact, Natalie is now introducing groups of women to carving, and sharing her own knowledge.
The other obstacle which she has had to contend with is debilitating endometriosis, which ironically motivated her to want to be an artist.
I need to work for myself, rather than somebody else because I never know when I’ll be in pain. But I’m incredibly fortunate to be creative and I’m passionate about being able to create.”
Natalie says it is easy to give in to the pain but passionately believes in encouraging other sufferers to not let it stop them.
“You can still succeed and live a life where you’re happy, you just have to find something that works around it. I’ve found it pushes me to create.”
Natalie credits her Māori heritage for a strong connection to the rivers and land, and a passion for the geology unique to the Nelson region. Her artistic journey began when she felt driven to create something with her substantial collection of stones.
“I was fascinated with minerals and what was inside,” she says. “I start with an idea in my head and carve freehand. My work is contemporary and not traditional at all.”
As well as exquisite jewellery her creativity also finds expression in delicately veined and hued resin artwork, inspired by the interiors of the stone she carves.
Despite her work being showcased in major European galleries, what Natalie is most excited about at the moment is inclusion in the upcoming Pakohe Unearthed exhibition at the Nelson Provincial Museum, opening on June 22.
“Pakohe is also called argillite,” explains Natalie, “and it is especially significant for Ngāti Kuia. The exhibition will show how Māori originally used pakohe, and the evolution through time to carving now.”
Once again, Natalie is the only female carver featured among work from a collection of talented male peers, but has more than earned that right.
“The carvers represented are incredible, both Māori and Pakeha - it’s definitely worth seeing.”
Te Tuhi o te Whenua: Pakohe Unearthed
Nelson Provincial Museum
22 June - 6 October
nataliekereart.com
