Project Proposal Submitted by Eric M. Appleman on 8 May 2025

I propose a multimedia exploration of harakeke (New Zealand flax) which will
celebrate this versatile plant while simultaneously allowing me to develop new
skills.

Harakeke has been used by the Māori for centuries, and the Māori people
have many tikanga (rituals and customs) governing growing and preparing
harakeke. To pursue this project I will need to develop an understanding of the
history and tikanga surrounding harakeke. Talented artists around the country
are carrying on these traditions today, and I hope to learn from them as well.

The central focus of the project is the plant itself. I'm fascinated by the
patterns formed by the shiny and matte surfaces and the different shades of
green of the leaves, as well the distinctive flowers, and would like to convey my interest through diverse media such as photography, ceramics, textiles, and print-making.

My extensive experience photography has been mostly limited to producing
content for the web. I would like to produce a set of large quality prints while
learning as much as possible about different papers, mounting, and framing.

In addition to prints of the leaves and flowers, it might be possible to do a set of portraits of flax and fibre artists. Given my background in the sciences, I am
also thinking it might be possible to coordinate with the University of Otago to
do some microscope or electron microscope images which I could print.

Broadening my creative skills is a central objective. I have taken just one
semester-long class in hand-built ceramics, enough to pique my interest. I
would like to learn the wheel, and learn a lot more about firing and glazing.
Specifically, I want to see if it is possible to incorporate the matte and shiny
surfaces and different shades of green of harakeke in ceramic designs.

It has also been a long-time aim of mine to learn how to sew. If I can gain
competence in that area, I visualize producing a set of harakeke-themed
textiles, maybe a set of wall hangings or place mats.

When I lived in Washington, DC, one of my favorite places to visit was The
Peacock Room, designed by James McNeill Whistler, and now at the National
Museum of Asian Art. If I can bring together the elements outlined above it
may be possible to create a Harakeke Room.

Harakeke Resources