Love of art began at 7 years old

Tumatauenga oil on canvas by Bay artist Pita Kire.

Hawke's Bay is home to a host of talented artists. In this series, Summer Artscape, Linda Hall asks some questions about their work, lifestyle and plans for the future. Today we talk to Pita Kire.

First tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Hastings and grew up in the suburb of Flaxmere.

I fell in love with art at in early age of 7 years while I was at Flaxmere primary.

I graduated from the Napier Eastern Institute of Technology in 2005 and continue to exhibit locally and have done commission works for the local council and murals for local schools.

What is your main medium?

My main medium is oil paint but I enjoy working with acrylics as well.

How is your personality reflected in your work?

There are many ways that my personality is reflected into my work and this is evident in my use of Maori subjects, from Maori models to ta moko or carvings or even Maori mythology. I also tend to leave brushstrokes or textured layers of paint on finished works.

This is the process in which I work that reflects my personality ... kinda messy, sporadic, spontaneous.

What has been your most touching or amazing moment you've experienced as an artist?

One of my most touching moments was a commissioned mural I did for my old high school, Hastings Boys' High School.

After completing the work I was welcomed at the school hall assembly where the whole school did a haka for me. That was really humbling, but what was even more humbling was that my sick Aunty, who had cancer, came all the way from the far north to tautoko and karanga me in front of the entire school ... sadly my Aunty has passed on but I will always cherish this memory.

What has been your darkest moment?

My darkest moment was when my cousin died unexpectedly and it took me by surprise ... it was a while ago but still affects me to this day ... I dedicated a painting in his honour and the process of painting helped me to get over it.

How do you budget your time (in the studio and out)?

My time is budgeted through a simple process of "whanau first".

My family and friends come before art. I'm surprised that I ever get things done ... lol ... but this keeps me grounded and most of my studio time is in the early hours of the morning.

What other artists do you admire?

Sopia Minson, Robyn Kahukiwa. But I'm strongly influenced by the European master painters Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Van Gogh.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From my family and friends. Amazing people. We are all connected in one way or another.

What are your plans for the future?

To teach our rangatahi (youth) skills in art to help them succeed in life and hopefully make a career out of being an artist.

To chase their dreams, but for now my goal is to finish my studies at EIT, to focus on completing my master's is priority number one: "That which you give most attention to grows quicker."