MELISSA BANKS
KAIMOANA
FROM THE SERIES MĀRAHAU
Things have changed, unmistakably and undeniably. However some of the foundational things that have always been important to us remain the same. Time out with whānau, gathering kaimoana on the whenua that has been handed down to us from tūpuna of another time. Unplugging and strengthening ties to the taiao, to the whenua, but most importantly to each other. So, while so much has changed, I hope that some things never do.
ABOUT MELISSA
Melissa lives in Whakatū Nelson, Te Tauihu o te Waka ā Māui, upon the land and amongst the people that her husband and daughters whakapapa to. Melissa feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to capture local whānau, hapū and iwi events such as kapa haka, wānanga, tā moko and hui.
Melissa’s photography centres on people. Weaving interactions between people into a rich, visual story of emotions, Melissa’s photography takes the viewer on a journey. She is able to find the beauty in her subjects in a way that creates a high level of trust and gratitude.
Melissa is a devotee to light and enjoys interacting with the taiao, capturing the beauty that constantly surrounds us in our environment. From the stunning and sacred, to the usual and mundane, elegance and grace can be found all around us.
Ko ia kāhore nei i rapu, tē kitea.