Ipu 2002
by Wi Te Tau Pirika Taepa (born 1946), Te Arawa/Ngati Pikiao/Te Ati Awa
white raku bodied clay, sprayed with white terra sigillata, gas-fired
Purchased 2003

White space
Wi Taepa likes to experiment with different clays, and the colour of this work comes from white clay fired with other earthenware clays. Wi has made this vessel as an acknowledgment for all that his ancestors have given him.

Wi sees the inside of his vessels as part of Te Kore, the nothingness. When he is making them, he blows into the cavity. This physically pushes the walls outwards. But breathing into a pot also gives it a mauri (life force) of its own.