Steven Gwaliasi
Steven Gwaliasi is a Solomon Island artist who has been based in Hokitika on the West Coast for
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the past 20 years. His unique artwork traverses the mediums of sculpture and jewellery making, utilising New Zealand gemstones such as pounamu (green stone), and other NZ hard stones, along with bone and shell.
Steven's work moves across a variety of artistic disciplines, from the delicacy of his jewellery and body adornment pieces to the distinctive metaphors employed in his larger sculptural works. His extensive experience in these different forms have lead him to share his knowledge in different teaching opportunities as a tutor of sculpture at Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth and a tutor for community programmes at Westland High School. A recent addition is his carving studio in Hokitika, from which he runs hands-on carving workshops for tourists wishing to have the experience of carving jade, bone and shells. Without any prior carving experience the tourists design, create and carve a treasured pendant within a day, under Steven's watchful eye and expert tutelage.
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| Circle of adoption (four piece series) |
Steven's Solomon Islands heritage features prominently in his work, alongside the heavy influence of the West Coast environment that surrounds him. He frequently incorporates Solomon Island motifs, particularly those from the island of Malaita, including the frigate bird and references to ancestors and voyaging. Steven comments, "Rediscovering my own cultural identity seems an inevitable experience when struggling to make sense of a confusing new environment. Isolated from my roots I needed answers. Melanesian features are expressed and embraced into sculptural works of cultural importance to me. Often I tend to bring out strong and figurative Melanesian symbols - they all have a story to tell.”
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| Circle of adoption (four piece series) |
Steven has participated in sculpture symposiums across the country as well as having his jewellery widely exhibited. His works are in public and private collections nationwide including a Melanesian totem sculpture Sea Spirit (nguzu-nguzu) (1990) commissioned by the Pacific Business Trust at South Markets, Otahuhu and a serpentine sculpture Tuatara - the Peace Maker (2000) at Westland High School in the South Island. Steven participated in major group exhibition Le Folauga at the Auckland Museum in 2007.
Steven's recent trip to the Solomons in 2008 has given him a new direction with his artwork. He is now incorporating many traditional pre-European art forms within his designs. This could be seen to be a reflection of his 'seeking', looking back to his roots.
If you would like to see more of Steven's work please visit his website.