James Cannon • Future Primitive NZ: Mango-Tipi Kowhaiwhai Panel

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.

→ MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST

↟ CLOSE BIO

Monday, June 23, 2014

Mango-Tipi Kowhaiwhai Panel

Mango-Tipi kōwhaiwhai panel by James Cannon, featuring a traditional Māori design representing the great white shark, hand-carved and painted with precise linework.

Mango-Tipi - The Great White Shark. This is a traditional Māori design taken from the east coast of New Zealand. I copied it from a plate in Augustus Hamilton's 1896 book on Māori art.

This was one of a selection of carved and painted panels I created for a customer. Check out those tidy lines!