James Cannon • Future Primitive NZ: Tawhirimatea, Future Whakaaro (Wire Tekoteko 2013)

James Cannon • Future Primitive NZ

My name is James Cannon, an award-winning New Zealand artist and sculptor based in Taumarunui. My journey began through Te Toi Whakairo, where I was traditionally trained by Kaiako Kenny Jones, before continuing my studies under Master Carvers Te Kuiti Stewart and Hohepa Peni at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, graduating with excellence in 2013. After years immersed in whakairo and creating public artworks, my artistic journey evolved into large-scale recycled metal sculpture and imaginative contemporary creations. Combining craftsmanship, storytelling, and imagination, I transform forgotten materials into unique artworks that celebrate creativity, connection, and transformation — continuing an evolving artistic legacy.

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Sunday, December 1, 2013

Tawhirimatea, Future Whakaaro (Wire Tekoteko 2013)

Tāwhirimātea Future Whakaaro wire tekoteko by James Cannon, a contemporary sculpture created as a koha for his kaiako using shaped wire and inspired by traditional carving forms.

Inspired and amazingly grateful to my Kaiako, Te Kuiti Stewart, for teaching me so much and sharing his abundant knowledge and skills with me through my time with him on the Te Maunga Kura Toi Graduate Degree programme, I made him this as a koha.

Whano koe ki te rangi,
Ki a Tāwhirimātea,
Kia kaha ai koe, kia toa ai koe,
Kia whai mana ai koe!
Go to the heavens,
To Tāwhirimātea,
So that you will be strong,
So that you will be brave,
So that you will have mana!

(Unknown author on original, translated by Michael Shirres in his book Te Tangata, 1997).