Alix Ashworth
Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha
Alix Ashworth is a ringatoi based in Ōtautahi in Te Waipounamu. Most often working as a ceramicist, Alix uses the medium of uku to communicate ideas around identity and belonging. In some works, poems are placed alongside the sculptures to inform the viewer of the emotion behind the piece.
Alix has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Unversity of Cantebury and a Diploma in Ceramic Arts from Otago Polytechnic. Alix has also been part of the Whakakai Mentorship Programme at Toi Māori initiated by Rangi Kipa.
We especially want to make note of Alix’s exhibition Ritual Offerings, which explores connection to identity through collection of native terra, flora and fauna and 80 vessels in uku. Through collection and through working with uku, these items become taonga for Alix.
Each taonga that has been chosen holds cultural or personal significance to me as tangata whenua. As I transform these items through firing I focus on how I connect with my Tipuna through this, offering them in solemn ceremony.
It is my hope that in making this work I initiate conversation around what is a treasure, who is kaitiaki for the land we stand on and how can Te Ao Maori help us feel more connected to that land, and each other.
You can check out some of that mahi and more here:
Alix in Instagram: @alix.ashworth
