Hēmi Stewart – Contemporary Māori Artist
Ko Otawa, Ko Maungatautari ngā Maunga
Ko Te Raparapa-a-hoe, Ko Topehaehae ngā Awa
Ko Te Arawa, Ko Tainui ngā Waka
Ko Waitaha, Ko Ngāti Hauā, Ko Ngāti Raukawa, Ko Ngāti Tuwharetoa ngā Iwi
Tihei Mauriora!

Kia ora, my name is Hēmi Stewart (James Stewart). I am a contemporary Māori artist dedicated to storytelling through visual art, design, and cultural expression. Born and raised in Te Awa Kairangi (Lower Hutt), my love for art began in childhood, shaped by whānau, whakapapa, and a deep connection to Te Ao Māori.

For over 25 years I worked in the building industry as a carpenter and foreman, crafting physical spaces with care and precision. Today, I draw directly on those skills, materials and techniques within my art practice — enabling me to create freestanding concrete and wooden sculptural forms that speak to both strength and cultural identity. My work blends construction and creativity, light and form, tradition and innovation.

Creativity has long been part of my life. At 14, I helped carve the wharenui at Naenae College under the guidance of master carver, the late Jock McEwen. At 18, I carved Pare — named after my grandmother — the wharenui at Tapu Te Ranga Marae, which was built by my late father, Bruce Stewart. A large-scale Māori mandala painting of mine (4.8m x 4.8m) was exhibited at the Michael Fowler Centre for 11 months, and I’ve illustrated two published books: Tama by Bruce Stewart and The Bridge by Peter Tupou.

Beyond my art practice, I’m passionate about education, hauora and community wellbeing. I facilitate Toi Hau Ora workshops for those navigating depression and work with rangatahi through holiday programmes and sports. I am also developing culturally grounded creative resources to improve the lives of participants from aged 5 to 105!

In 2023, I completed Te Tohu Paetahi, a diploma in te reo Māori through the University of Waikato in Tauranga — strengthening the language foundations that underpin my creative work.

Whether working in 2D or 3D, painting, carving or installation, my art is rooted in connection — to people, to whenua, to kaupapa Māori, and to the stories that shape us all.

Ngā mihi nui.