Who is Kara Hemara Haeana?
My full name is Waikaramihi Hemara Haeana, otherwise known as Kara given it was such a mouthful to say. I was born and lived in Aotearoa, or New Zealand up to the age of sixteen until I decided to move to Australia where I have lived and traveled ever since. Who is Kara Hemara Haeana?
My full name is Waikaramihi Hemara Haeana, otherwise known as Kara given it was such a mouthful to say. I was born and lived in Aotearoa, or New Zealand up to the age of sixteen until I decided to move to Australia where I have lived and traveled ever since.How long have you been painting?
I always had a natural passion and love for the Arts in general. However, it was my love for painting which I have consciously cultivated over the past 15 years. I am so glad it is a discipline that I have nurtured because it is an absolute reflection of my personal progress and learning. Painting is my catharsis and it never entered my mind to exhibit my work until now.

What changed your mind? I started to build a sizeable client base and realised just how many people were really taken back or touched by my work. I love nothing more than being a witness to my audience's reaction. Whether the reaction be good or bad, it means that I did create some sort of impact and that is what I love about painting.

What sort of work do you do? I work with oil on canvas and thoroughly enjoy the freedom of painting on a large scale. I prefer not to categorise my work in a certain genre If I had to it would fall to the title 'Contemporary Maori Art' with a twist - the twist implies that my style is derived from various influences, from Maori to Western Art.

Influences and Inspiration? Traditional and contemporary Maori Art is part of me and the influence is self evident in my work. However, I always had an interest with Expressionism, and in particular, with the German artist Franz Marc. His work was boldly intense with fantastic colours and umpteenth expression - his works always managed to trigger my curiosity. Other major influences include Cubism, Abstract Expressionism and Modern Art. The changes and development in my work today is a result of many influences and life events. In general, like many other artists I would imagine, my style of work has developed primarily from my family upbringing, personal relationships, historical cultural values and beliefs.

Beautiful Sorrow? Without giving to much away 'Beautiful Sorrow' is a series of oil paintings based on the Roimata ('Tear Drop'). The exhibition represents losing someone or something that was truly treasured. The chosen palette illustrates rain and teardrops falling upon the dirt. The reason for the title can be summarized as follows: when you have something you love its beautiful, when that love is lost you are left with sorrow.