Porowhitu | Flax | Harekeke
Handwoven from harakeke, Porowhitu is a striking circular work by Bernadette Ross that speaks to the enduring rhythms of life, connection and renewal. Measuring 900mm in diameter, the woven form draws the eye inward and outward simultaneously, reflecting the continuous cycles that shape both the natural world and human experience.
In te ao Māori, the circle is a powerful symbol of infinity and interconnectedness — with no beginning and no end. Through the intricate weaving of flax, Ross honours the relationship between people, whenua and whakapapa, creating a work that embodies continuity, resilience and balance.
Bernadette’s work is inspired by the sensory language of her surroundings — shifting coastal light, textured bush, open farmland — and by the ongoing challenge to translate what she sees and feels into woven expression. The result is work that is both grounded and lyrical, honouring tradition while speaking naturally to contemporary spaces.
Her practice has received notable recognition, including winning the Wearable Art Aotearoa section in Thames and placing in the Harcourts Art Challenge. She contributed to the Star Waka for the Tuia celebrations in Whitianga and has exhibited widely, with her work held in respected galleries across Aotearoa.
Today, Bernadette Ross continues to explore the expressive potential of harakeke — creating pieces that embody patience, craftsmanship, and an enduring relationship between artist, fibre, and land.
