A BFA graduate from ELAM, Emma Ormsby’s art centers on the exploration and celebration of Maori identity, culture, and the empowerment they bring. As an artist of Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Porou descent, Emma’s work delves into the revitalisation of feminine Maori cosmology, exploring the stories of Atua Wahine (Maori goddesses) and their significance in contemporary Maori life. Her artistic practice is rooted in a deep connection to traditional Maori art forms, including whakairo (woodcarving), tukutuku (woven panels), and kowhaiwhai (painted patterns), which she uses to reflect on the empowerment of Maori women today. Emma’s creative journey involves blending various disciplines, such as sculpture, painting, and digital design, and she is also committed to working with the next generation of artists. Through mentoring and community engagement, she encourages younger Maori artists to explore their cultural heritage while embracing modern expressions. Her work seeks to reconnect Maori people with their ancestral traditions, while also challenging traditional gender boundaries in Maori art. Emma is also pursuing studies in whakairo (woodcarving) and whatu (cloak-weaving) at Te Wananga o Aotearoa and the Hetet School of Maori Art.