Oko Taura

Susan Barrett’s artworks amplify a mother's warmth, embellishing the mundane into playful, nostalgic wonder. Susan weaves all sorts- flax placemats and decorations, swatches of fabric are upcycled as cosy hot water bottle covers, tea sets finely crafted from seaweed and various foragings- the kind you would think to only witness in fairytales begin to surface as reality. There have been multiple occasions where Susan arrives at the gallery with a line of mokopuna trailing behind her, each with their own sense of curiosity; this instilled wonder seems to be her legacy. Susan was a former head teacher at Ōtaki Playcentre, one of the oldest playcentres in Aotearoa New Zealand, which recently celebrated its 70th jubilee in 2024. Susan has played a crucial role in the upbringing of generations of tamariki in cementing a stronger, more wonderful community. “by being alongside our younger learners and hanging out with grown-ups who also know the value of creating and supporting learning environments that enhance the mana of all” - Susan Barrett