WHAT TYPE OF WORK/ART DO YOU DO?

My main practice is tā moko although I’m trained in whakairo rākau (wood carving) and I also love to paint, make prints, jewellery, design clothing as well as a bit of graphic design.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love that I’m able to express myself and follow my passions in my own time and be able to support my family too. It was always my dream to work as a creative so I feel very lucky.

HOW WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK/ARTISTIC PRACTICE?

My mum and dad always supported and nurtured creative expression in my sister and I from a young age, whether it be through music or art.

My kaiako at carving school started me on the journey to become a ringa toi, and my mentor in tattooing, Tom McMillan opened the door to tattooing for me and supported me enormously along the way.

HOW HAS YOUR  WORK/ARTISTIC PRACTICE CHANGED AND DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS? WHAT FACTORS DO YOU THINK AFFECTED THIS?

Art has been a way for me to explore my māoritanga and connect with my roots. As I learned new skills such as carving, tattooing and some basic design skills, my practice has expanded across these mediums, taking inspiration from each and allowing me to find new modes of expression.

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHERE YOU WORK FROM? WHAT DO YOU FIND SPECIAL ABOUT LIVING OUT WEST? 

Living out west happened on a stroke of good luck. I found a place that my parents friend used to own and it turned out my Dad had done some design work to create the bottom floor, which is our studio.

The bush and the bird life out here is amazing, and the neighbours are great too. Everything out here feels connected, like a proper community!

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO SEE WHEN THEY VISIT YOUR STUDIO DURING OSW? 

I will be displaying a collection of my paintings, prints and jewellery, as well as some paintings and raranga (weaving) That my partner, Madison has been making.

NAME YOUR FAVOURITE SECRET SPOTS YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN THE WAITAKERE RANGES

• Kakamatua beach (favourite place to take our dogs)

• Street Feast (favourite place to eat locally)

• Marawhara falls

• Cornwallis

• Otitori Bay

You can meet visit Tristan at 4 Opou Rd, Titirangi.