BIO: Mikaere (Mike) Henderson is he uri o te iwi Ngāti Pikiao and graduated from Massey university with a Bachelor of Design.
Originally from Rotorua, Mike has worked extensively in the fashion industry in both Australia and Europe.
Now residing in Kerikeri, Mike produces artworks inspired by Te taiao (the natural world), a love of which was transferred to him by his grandmother at a young age.
INSPO : ‘Mehemea ka koeretia te rau o te nīkau, ka rara te waha’ , is a whakataukī ( proverb) that speaks to the vulnerability of nature .
As the only palm native to Aotearoa the nīkau had multifarious uses in te ao māori, from weaving and thatching through to kai and rongoā (medicine).
The Nīkau print aims to be a contemporary take on the traditional Hawaiian palm tree designs with a distinctly indigenous twist.
The hand drawn nīkau silhouette provides a design with a strikingly graphic contrast. Suitable for both men and women with the vertical nature of the print providing a flattering design for an array of different body types.
Instagram: @mikaere_mahitoi
Email: mikaerejames@yahoo.com
