1. "Kia Ora" Modern Māori Te Reo Cross Stitch Series Gemma Stewart

Medium: Cross stitch, white 14 count fabric and cotton thread
Dimensions: Completed framed works 23cm L x 17.5cm W x 2cm D

About the artist: Gemma Stewart, Ngāpuhi

I’ve been cross stitching for over 12yrs and have a true passion for the medium. My
great aunt, on my paternal side, was an embroidery artist and art teacher. So I feel like
needlework is in my blood.
Since starting out I have completed several commission pieces, this forms most of my
work to date, alongside a lot of birthday presents, any excuse to keep stitching.
In 2015 I was invited to show some pieces as part of a group show for Auckland Arts
Week, this was my first time exhibiting my work.A year later while living in Wellington I started on the ambitious and complex project of
cross stitching portraits of deceased 90s hip hop and R&B icons (Aaliyah, Biggie, Eazy
E, Left Eye, Old Dirty and Tupac). This is what would became my solo exhibition Dead
Legends, shown at Studio One Toi Tu early 2020. Each portrait was recreated as a
limited run of prints and was accompanied by three cross stitch lyrics pieces to
complete the body of work.

I’m excited to continue my adventures in cross stitch with this series for Moana Fresh.
And I’m always open to commissions, lessons or korero all things cross stitch.