Tattoo Artist, Kai Whakairo, Maori Carver, Visual Arts

Tattoo Style Focus: Ta Moko

 

"Our tipuna before us are always pushing us forward, they've done it before, so they're tapping us on the shoulder and telling us to carry it on." - Joseph Houia

 

Tauranga based artist, Joseph Houia, has been honing his skills in Ta Moko under the guidance of established Ta Moko artist Julie Paama-Pengelly for over a year but his love and talent for art has been lifelong.

 

Artists such as Julie, Mark Kopua, Turumakina Duley, Cy Mcleod, Te Haunui Tuna and Mr G have been instrumental in his artistic influence.

 

Te Whanau a Apanui at his core, he loves to tell the stories of his ancestors, those who made the journey to Aotearoa from Hawaiki and atua maori.