Jess Paraone

My arts practice has been an ongoing inquiry into the notion of Contemporary Maori Art as a framework for Maori cultural / Art production. The central question I have grappled has been how do I interact with the ceramic medium in a way that resists the stereotypical framework provided for Contemporary Maori Art yet maintains the values, sensitivities and interests that are part of my indigeneity. Thinking through material has provided a means to navigate those questions I grapple with.