Weaving Values into Art: A Prizegiving Sculpture for Te Koromiko Swannanoa School

Recently, I was honured with the opportunity to create a prizegiving sculpture for Te Koromiko Swannanoa School. This wasn’t just any sculpture—it was a piece that needed to embody the school’s core values, a task that proved both challenging and immensely rewarding.

The Concept

Te Koromiko Swannanoa School prides itself on five guiding principles:

• Community (Pikorua) – Being connected, Relationship
• Success (Porowhita) – The learning and the teaching is a partnership. Symbolizing achievement and continuous growth.
• Kindness (Koru) – Looking to find the best in others, to bring out the best in ourselfs.
• Respect (Roimata) – Honoring relationships and empathy.
• Integrity (Toki) – Living according to our values. Standing for strength, courage, and authenticity.

I had previously created individual sculptures for each of these values, but the challenge here was to bring all five together into a single, unified piece. How do you visually harmonize such distinct yet interconnected concepts?

The Process

I was asked to create a kete (woven basket) as the heart of the sculpture—a timeless symbol of gathering and unity. The kete represents how each value is an integral strand in the school’s fabric, woven together to create a strong, supportive community.

 Each core value was intricately carved into the sculpture, with every detail carefully thought out to reflect its meaning. To add depth, I incorporated patterns and textures that not only highlight each value but also celebrate the shared identity of the school.

The Result

The final sculpture stands as a visual testament to Te Koromiko Swannanoa School’s ethos. It was deeply fulfilling to see the values come to life in a way that felt cohesive and meaningful. The weaving of the kete brought everything together, reminding us that while each value is significant on its own, their true strength lies in their unity.

Reflection

As an artist, projects like these push me to think beyond aesthetics. It’s not just about creating something beautiful but also about crafting something that resonates deeply with its audience, carrying meaning and purpose. This sculpture was a true labor of love, blending creativity with the responsibility of representing values that matter. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Te Koromiko Swannanoa School’s legacy in such a meaningful way.