Ko wai au? - Who am I?
Ko Putauaki te maunga
Ko Tarawera te awa
Ko Mataatua te waka
Ko Ngati Awa, Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa te iwi
Nō Rotorua ahau
Ko Vendela Elliott tōku ingoa
Emerging from Rotorua, a place I whakapapa back to, a place I call home. I am an award winning contemporary Māori artist redefining the relationship between art, culture, fashion and interior design. Working across functional art forms including, fashion, bespoke lamps, and wall-based art, I like to believe my practice sits at the intersection of cultural preservation and contemporary design innovation. My work draws from the visual language of Māori patterns, symbolism, and ancestral knowledge, reinterpreting them through a modern lens for people that seek connection, identity, and story.
My creations are inspired by my passion of Māori culture and the enduring strength of whakapapa (genealogy), I approach each piece as more than décor—it is an extension of me and my culture. Through pattern, texture, and form, my designs create spaces that feel grounded, intentional, and connected to Te Āo Māori.
So what's next?
Art and textiles have always had a close relationship. By using my art for creative inspirations, I am determined to translate the aesthetics of art and the effects of cultural movements into wearable art and textile designs.
Textiles that are hand created and digitally manipulated in studio through experimenting with various traditional art designs, fibres and techniques.
This next chapter is a collection of garments inspired by whakapapa and māori heritage. A collection dedicated to my kuia "Pirihita".
Collections
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Original Art
Most Recent Work Is Shown First:
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Art Prints
2019 -2026 Prints Most Popular Work Is Shown First:
For $18.99 a month discover a new adventure each month with art.
Each month subscribers will receive a hand signed A5 art print. These prints are created with love, to spark conversation and create connections.
Each month subscribers will receive a hand painted collectable magnet alongside a few other goodies.
Orders will ship with regular mail & do not include tracking information in order to keep membership affordable.
Delivery within NZ: Allow 3–7 working days.
International Delivery: Allow 1–2 weeks.
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