Lyn Davidson
Maker Member
Textiles
Lyn Davidson is a weaver and fibre artist living on Ngunnawal country. While living in Aotearoa, Lyn learnt Raranga, the Māori art of weaving. She continues to build on her skills while maintaining her cultural connection with Te Ao Māori via valued relationships locally and internationally. Lyn’s preferred medium is harakeke, also known as New Zealand Flax, which she lovingly grows, nurtures, harvests, and prepares by hand to create both sculptural and practical forms. Blending technical skill and artistry, Lyn weaves in tune with her materials and her heart, aiming to find her own style in connection to her Irish and European heritage while weaving with respect towards the materials, cultural protocols, and traditional practices taught by her Māori teachers and mentors. Lyn’s work has been exhibited locally and interstate, has won multiple awards and is held in both private and public collections across Aotearoa, Australia, Ireland and Wales.
"A sustainable, holistic view of love and care for the environment lies at the heart of my work. I grow and nurture harakeke, and find the preparation and weaving of these materials to be a mindful, meditative, and soul-nourishing practice. I enjoy sharing these aspects along with technical skills during workshops and presentations.
I am grateful to be entrusted by local Māori elders to share knowledge of harakeke and Raranga, the Māori art of weaving, with other members of the local Māori cultural group.
I enjoy researching weaving and patterns from across the world and throughout history, and the associated folklore and culture they enshrine. Weaving is a universal language that allows me to explore the links between cultures, while respecting all and embracing the wisdom held within the art of my own Irish forbears.
Through learning to weave, and opening my heart to the rhythms of nature, I am developing a growing sense of connection to my own ancestral cultural practices, especially around seasonal traditions and environmental awareness."
Online Resources:
Website: https://www.lyndavidsonartist.com/
Instagram: @raranga_and_beyond
Facebook: @RarangaAndBeyond