Each Wheku has been constructed as a ceramic casting the original carving and then has 4 coats of paint applied and then having paua inlay eyes inserted. Each piece is completely made by hand and the process takes up to 5 days to complete, making every one unique.
Messini's pieces are about a merging of traditional Toi Maori, in particular whakairo rakau (wood carving) with contemporary mediums such as resin and cast stone and an engaging colour pallet. She uses vintage carving as well as one recently commissioned by Master Carver Michael Matchitt (Wheku Tahi) and carves her own smaller pieces, creating a new journey.
Wheku
Is a carved face that represents an important ancestor (tupuna) or a guardian (kaitiaki) and is traditionally found at the apex of the gable at the front of a meeting house watching over everyone. It has a Pukana, (protruding tongue), an expression that communicates deep felt emotion in waiata and kapa haka
