Dan at work - Ta Moko Maori Tattoo Whakairo Maori Carvings Paintings Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand

Daniel Ormsby


Daniel is a painter, Whakairo (traditional Maori carver), Ta Moko (traditional Maori tattooist) and educator based in Waitomo.

Art is a way of life for Daniel , a life long passion, particularly within the Maori art arena. It is through tradition and cultural responsibilities that he has found his place and purpose in the world, with a multitude of mediums available to record and preserve tribal history, whakapapa (genealogy) and religious or spiritual beliefs.

Daniel is driven by the journey to discover and push through creative boundaries as well as the excitement of watching things develop from an idea into a reality. The responsibility of being in charge of his creative vision, knowing that his art and his actions will go on to inspire others, are all facets of his approach to art. Through his reserved approach, Daniel has learnt to observe, understand and collate ideas and it is through his artistic interpretation that he has found a voice that can be heard.

Shane 1 -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand
Rauru -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand
Pare Upoko -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand
Spiral -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand

Nau mai haere mai ki te whare Karamaha.
The house of many colours.

Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Ngati Maniapoto te iwi
Nga tangata mahi toi

It is our honour to have you within these walls to cast your gaze upon the work that has been inspired and passed down to us from the hands, heads and hearts of our ancestors.

The language of art conveys the achievements, aspirations and wisdom of a culture. It is through art, that we in this time and space, express our love for life, land, learning and people, to you.

No matter where you come from, or where you are heading to, we wish you blessings from beautiful Waitomo.


Aspire

Magician -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand

Create

Rainbow Warrior -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand

Perfect

Sharkboy -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand

Inspire

Shannon -Ta Moko, Maori Tattoo, Whakairo, Maori Carvings, Paintings, Maori art in Waitomo New Zealand

Karamaha is a collective of some of the most well known artists nationwide, that currently reside in and around the Waitomo area, in the Northern King Country.
It serves as an art gallery as well as Whakairo (traditional Maori Carving) and Ta Moko (traditional Maori Tattooing) studio.

Karamaha is the realisation of many years worth of work in Ta Moko and Whakairo. Building up a reputation for quality work and a locally based network of high level creative figures in many different disciplines.

A place that artists can reach their potential, display their work, pass on their knowledge and contribute to the wider creative community.