Kia ora, my name is Hēmi Stewart (James Stewart). I am a contemporary Māori artist committed to telling stories through visual art, design, and cultural expression. My practice is rooted in the traditions of my whakapapa, informed by Te Ao Māori, and enriched by decades of practical and creative experience.
Born and raised in Te Awa Kairangi (Lower Hutt), my passion for art began in childhood, nurtured by my whānau and life on the marae. From an early age, I was surrounded by creativity, cultural pride, and the belief that art is a powerful vessel for identity, connection, and healing.
Craftsmanship Meets Creativity
Before pursuing art full-time, I spent over 25 years in the building industry as a carpenter and foreman. In that time, I developed a deep respect for materials, techniques, precision, and form. Today, I channel those skills directly into my art practice, crafting freestanding concrete and wooden sculptural works that fuse strength and elegance, tradition and innovation. The physicality of construction and the storytelling power of Māori design meet in my work — producing pieces that are as structurally sound as they are culturally resonant.
Artistic Milestones
My creative journey has been shaped by both life experience and the mentorship of masters in their fields. I have had the privilege of learning whakairo (woodcarving) from the late master carver Jock McEwen, contemporary Māori art mentoring from Darcy Nicholas, and tikanga Māori through both academic study and life at my marae. These influences form the lens through which I express myself artistically.
At 14, I helped carve the wharenui at Naenae College under Jock McEwen’s guidance. At 18, I carved Pare, our wharenui, named after my grandmother, for Tapu Te Ranga Marae — established by my late father, Bruce Stewart. In later years, my large-scale Māori mandala painting (4.8m x 4.8m) was exhibited at the Michael Fowler Centre for 11 months. I have also illustrated two published books: Tama by Bruce Stewart and The Bridge by Peter Tupou.
To date, I have created more than 200 commissioned works for collectors in Aotearoa and overseas. My recent work includes Te Waharoa Mārama, an illuminated sculptural entranceway unveiled in April 2025, which was celebrated for its message of resilience and its striking visual presence. Four of my works also featured in the 2025 Whakatāne Light Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture.
I have upcoming exhibitions in Wellington and at the Katikati Art Gallery, where I will present works exploring the evolving relationship between wairua (spirit), whenua (land), and whakapapa (genealogy).
Store Description
Hēmi Stewart – Contemporary Māori Artist
Kia ora, my name is Hēmi Stewart (James Stewart). I am a contemporary Māori artist committed to telling stories through visual art, design, and cultural expression. My practice is rooted in the traditions of my whakapapa, informed by Te Ao Māori, and enriched by decades of practical and creative experience.
Born and raised in Te Awa Kairangi (Lower Hutt), my passion for art began in childhood, nurtured by my whānau and life on the marae. From an early age, I was surrounded by creativity, cultural pride, and the belief that art is a powerful vessel for identity, connection, and healing.
Craftsmanship Meets Creativity
Before pursuing art full-time, I spent over 25 years in the building industry as a carpenter and foreman. In that time, I developed a deep respect for materials, techniques, precision, and form. Today, I channel those skills directly into my art practice, crafting freestanding concrete and wooden sculptural works that fuse strength and elegance, tradition and innovation. The physicality of construction and the storytelling power of Māori design meet in my work — producing pieces that are as structurally sound as they are culturally resonant.
Artistic Milestones
My creative journey has been shaped by both life experience and the mentorship of masters in their fields. I have had the privilege of learning whakairo (woodcarving) from the late master carver Jock McEwen, contemporary Māori art mentoring from Darcy Nicholas, and tikanga Māori through both academic study and life at my marae. These influences form the lens through which I express myself artistically.
At 14, I helped carve the wharenui at Naenae College under Jock McEwen’s guidance. At 18, I carved Pare, our wharenui, named after my grandmother, for Tapu Te Ranga Marae — established by my late father, Bruce Stewart. In later years, my large-scale Māori mandala painting (4.8m x 4.8m) was exhibited at the Michael Fowler Centre for 11 months. I have also illustrated two published books: Tama by Bruce Stewart and The Bridge by Peter Tupou.
To date, I have created more than 200 commissioned works for collectors in Aotearoa and overseas. My recent work includes Te Waharoa Mārama, an illuminated sculptural entranceway unveiled in April 2025, which was celebrated for its message of resilience and its striking visual presence. Four of my works also featured in the 2025 Whakatāne Light Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture.
I have upcoming exhibitions in Wellington and at the Katikati Art Gallery, where I will present works exploring the evolving relationship between wairua (spirit), whenua (land), and whakapapa (genealogy).