Red Spot Gallery - Rotorua Art Gallery supporting local artists
Tom Hale
A 2009 graduate of the Level 7 (advanced), Diploma of Fine Art. Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua. Tom has also been involved in teaching Art in secondary schools for many years. His work adorns several corporate buildings and 5 star accommodation lodges.
About the art.
These assemblages are story boards celebrating the tools and knowledge of Polynesian navigators of old. Mapping knowledge handed down from generation to generation utilised the stars and constellation formations to accurately navigate the Pacific. Oceanic voyages beyond the Pacific Rim were made following the migration pathways of pelagic fish, whales, migratory birds all utilising the warm ocean 
currents. Today the same migration pathways are followed by great steel waka intent on the indiscriminate harvest of pelagic species with disregard for any thought of the future.
Materials used in the story boards are reclaimed matai, kauri and rimu collected from boatyards, old flooring and timber sourced in demolition yards. Cast bronze pieces are also used in these assemblages giving reference to colonialistion and ancient materials and thus, ancient navigational knowledge.