c/- Waimarino Health Centre - 22 Seddon Street - Raetihi 4632 - Manawatu Whanganui - NZ
Ph: +64 6 385 5019 - Fax: +64 6 385 5021
George Potaka
BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS - Throughout my formative years, hunting and fishing had always been a way of life for me. Born in Raetihi and grew up on the Paraparas before moving to Wanganui. I am from a rural background where the urge to return to this environment regularly had been very strong and I have recently physically returned...this is where I was raised. It is a place where solitude can be found, free of materialistic distractions and constraints placed upon us by urbanisation, an ideal base to draw inspiration from.
INFLUENCES - I am an artist, my mediums include paint, pastel, pencil, wood, bone, feather, natural fibre, literature, human skin ... anything that sparks inspiration. I firmly believe that a person’s past experiences shape and mould them into the person they become, this is an evolving process as we are ever-changing and always growing. I am an artist who is shaped by who I have been, who I am, and who I will become. My art is strongly connected to who I have become and the paths I find myself travelling along. An affinity with animals has always been present through which developed a strong passion for the outdoors and hunting. This passion has grown to the extent that is now a need, the incongruence of love and affinity for animals combined with a passion for hunting only serves to enrich a diverse talent for creating things of beauty. It is interesting that life has turned full circle and I have returned to my place of birth, a place that I have a very strong connection to, I am sure that this sense of belonging has impacted immensely on my artwork...... the place I call …..home.
PERSONAL MILESTONES -
2014 - Started working for Te Puke Karanga Hauora in Raetihi as a Kaituhauora delivering Kaupapa Maori Mental Health & Addiction Support Services.
2015 - Completed Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health Support Work.
Formed the Dream Makers Charitable Trust which is umbrellered under Te Puke Karanga Hauora.
2016 - Secured contract with MSD to deliver interventions for at risk youth in the Waimarino/Ruapehu area. Sub-contracted The Breakthrough Wellness Trust to deliver interventions in Taumarunui.