Artist
John Bevan Ford
- Name
- John Bevan Ford
- Iwi/Ethnicity
- Ngāti Raukawa Ki Kapiti/Ngāti Raukawa/Māori
- Date of Birth
- 1930
- Date of Death
- 16 Sep 2005
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Artworks
Biography
John Bevan Ford was internationally renowned for his intricate ink drawings based on recognisable customary art forms: raranga (weaving), kōwhaiwhai (rafter paintings), korowai (woven cloaks) and carving patterns. His work often brings together two distinct elements: landscapes and kahu (cloak forms).
He began exhibiting in 1966 and, over the following 20 years, became a leading figure in contemporary Māori art, garnering a reputation as a skilled carver and champion for arts education. He held teaching positions at Hamilton Teachers’ College and Massey University in Te Papa-i-Oea/Palmerston North, before retiring from academia in 1988 to become a full-time artist. Ford received the Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi Kingi Ihaka Award (2005) in acknowledgement of his contributions to Māori art and education.
He began exhibiting in 1966 and, over the following 20 years, became a leading figure in contemporary Māori art, garnering a reputation as a skilled carver and champion for arts education. He held teaching positions at Hamilton Teachers’ College and Massey University in Te Papa-i-Oea/Palmerston North, before retiring from academia in 1988 to become a full-time artist. Ford received the Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi Kingi Ihaka Award (2005) in acknowledgement of his contributions to Māori art and education.
Artworks by John Bevan Ford (2)
Taranaki and the Three Kings
John Bevan Ford
Date unknown
Artwork
He Pihi
John Bevan Ford
Date unknown
Artwork
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