Tuhitoi
"Ngai Tahu / Ngati Raukawa"
New Zealand born Indigenous artist with over 45 years of drawing experience, a Bachelors Degree in Maori Visual Art Design. I have perfected my own authentic style of fluid-like contemporary Maori art and storytelling."Tuhitoi" - "Art Drawing"
Drawings
Original and fine Maori contemporary artwork and Designs.
Canvas Paintings
Art with color and contemporary styled Designs.
Prints
Limited Edition prints of my Original contemporary Maori Art.
Lester Ransfield
I am a Māori artist from Aotearoa (New Zealand). For as long as I can remember, I have been drawing to rhythms, symbols and the spiritual depth of my Māori culture. Art has always been more than a skill for me. It is a calling, a way of expressing my identity, my whakapapa (ancestry), and the sacred stories of my people that I've grown up with.
Over the years I have developed a modern contemporary style that breathes new life into traditional Māori art forms, blending the old and the new. I aim to honor the essence of my heritage, while pushing creative boundaries. Each piece I create carries not only my personal journey, but also the voice of my ancestors and the spirit of our land.
For several years now, I have held a vision close to my heart, to share my art with the world. I believe Māori art has a powerful story to tell and I am ready to take our stories to an international stage – to show the beauty, strength and soul of Te Ao Māori to a global audience.
This is the story of where I come from, how I found my voice through art and where I dream of going next.
Drawing Media
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Each carefully drawn art piece tells a story, a beautifully written history in the form of intricate patterns that having a significant meaning behind each line connecting to another, just like our connection to our ancestry.
Canvas Media
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Beautiful colors are used to breathe life into these original pieces used to describe our indigenous heritage in a modern and timeless perspective. I have taken the knowledge learned over the years to create something truly unique, specific to my heritage whilst respectfully maintaining the mana (cultural prestige, respect, spirituality and pride) of our people.
Print Media
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
My exclusive, limited prints are at the heart of my work, and my passion creatively shows through each and every one of these very special pieces. The stories behind my most iconic works are my personal tribute to the stories I grew up with, the knowledge passed from my elders and theirs before them.