Gordon Toi – He Tohu O Te Wa

Although I have no tattoos myself I’m fascinated by the characters that cover their bodies with them and the artists that create them. Traditional Maori tattoo or Tā Moko are representations of bloodlines etched onto the skin – inked stories of genealogy, history and ancestry that are crafted specifically for the person who wears them.
Since 1990 there has been a huge resurgence in the practice of Tā Moko for both men and women – as a sign of cultural identity and a reflection of the general revival of the Maori language and culture.
In a suburb of south Auckland I recently met up with Gordon Toi who greets me with an easy smile and a bone crushing handshake. Gordon is a prolific artist who trained as a traditional carver before exploring other forms of Maori art such as Ta Moko, painting, and stone sculpture.
His philosophy and craft remain true to his teachings to preserve the integrity of his culture, and this is reflected in his workspace which is a far cry from the commercial tattoo studios of the High Street. Filled with artifacts from his travels, books, pictures, paintings and a shrine in one corner – He Tohu O Te Wa has a intimate and spiritual feel.
It’s a moving experience to witness the Maori prayer that Gordon delivers before he begins the tattoo and a privilege to be invited into his world to photograph him at work….

gordon toi by john hicks

gordon toi by john hicks

gordon toi by john hicks

gordon toi by john hicks

gordon toi by john hicks

gordon toi by john hicks

Comments
2 Responses to “Gordon Toi – He Tohu O Te Wa”
  1. a few years ago, while spending a month scuba diving in New Zealand, I was introduced to Gordon Toi Hatfield. he produced a brilliant design on my left leg, from the knee down; a companion to a design by another brilliant artist, named Chris in Warkworth, N.Z. as I was very impressed with some of the woodcarvings in Gordon’s workshop, he generously gave me a tour of his lovely home, to show me other wonderful carvings he had produced. there is much attention on Gordon’s brilliant tattoo work; but, there should be a website devoted to his carving.

    • great to hear you met up with Gordon Toi Hatfield – he is a very spiritual and inspirational man and I, for one, felt humbled to have spent time with him and his people. He is one of those most amazingly talented, creative people who can turn their mind, vision and skills to just about anything and you’re right it would be great to see as much emphasis put on his traditional wood carvings as his tattoos.

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