Toi Ohomai lecturers' art featured in new book

Two Rotorua artists say they are flattered to have their work featured in a new Italian art book.

Imago Mundi features works collected by Luciano Benetton on his travels around the world.

Kereama Taepa and Debbi Thyne, both lecturers at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, have been included in the New Zealand edition, which contains the work of 210 New Zealand artists.

Ms Thyne was flattered by the email, offering the chance to send her work in.

"Even though I was busy, I instantly said yes," she said.

The only restriction given to the artist was size, each work having to fit within 10x12cm.

"It's a great idea, because it's small you don't mind handing over your work for the pride of being in the collection, the distinction," said Ms Thyne.

Ms Thyne has lectured part-time at Toi Ohomai, formerly Waiariki Institute of Technology, for the past 30 years.

Working in a mix of screen and paint, she used a screen print for her submission.

"I revisited an image I'd used in earlier collections. It's a screen print of a poha," she said.

"The theme of this work is sustainability. It's actually a course we teach here."

Mr Taepa, who teaches digital and creative technologies, created a cast of a 3D digital print.

"There was no theme, so I had free reign," he said.

Interested in Maori art forms in contemporary society, Mr Taepa is transitioning from customary practice into Western media.

Although he hasn't had a chance to "put it on social media yet" Mr Tapea was stoked to be part of a collection and the distinction which comes with it.

Mr Taepa will be one of the artists speaking at the 2017 Inspire conference.

A free day of inspirational seminars hosted by creative entrepreneurs, artists, innovators and business leaders from our region and around the country will be held at Toi Ohomai on March 24.