SHEREE WILLMAN

Sheree Willman was born in Dannevirke, Aotearoa New Zealand with Ngāti Kahunungu and Rangitāne iwi affiliation. She resides in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington.

Following college, she pursued Contemporary Māori Design at Polytechnic in Wellington. Marrying young and raising her three children, she maintained her passion for painting intermittently over the years. In 2017, after devoting years to raising her children, Sheree found herself with the opportunity to pursue her passion for painting full-time, transforming a room into her studio. In her quest to reconnect with Te Ao Māori and her Māori heritage, Sheree's journey commenced, her inspiration ignited by the weavers of her tīpuna, ancestors. The language of Raranga (weaving), tukutuku (ornamental lattice) and tāniko (twining) holds profound cultural significance in Aotearoa, often crafted by wahine (women) who weave narratives and traditions into their creations.

These intricate art forms serve as more than just decorative pieces; they are tangible expressions of identity, heritage, and storytelling, carrying the essence of Māori culture through generations.

In 2020, marking her third year of painting, Sheree achieved a significant milestone with her first solo exhibition titled “Raranga” at Pātaka Art + Museum, Porirua. The following year Sheree's artistic talent was recognised as she became a finalist in the National Contemporary Art Awards. Notably, her recent achievement includes having her artwork titled “AramoanaTāniko” was reproduced as a backdrop for taonga, Māori artefacts display in the new Perth Museum in Scotland, marking another significant achievement in her artistic journey.

Sheree's experience of disconnect from her Māori heritage growing up highlights the importance of fortifying her bloodlines in her work. By weaving elements of her cultural heritage into her mahi, she not only reconnects with her roots but also infuses her art with a sense of authenticity and personal meaning. This commitment to honoring her heritage enriches her artistic expression and fosters a deeper connection to her identity as an Māori artist.