Alicia Courtney has always possessed a strong desire to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand, as reflected in her unique feather works that are informed by European, Maori and Pacific techniques and aesthetics. She asserts, “I feel a strong connection with the land... I strive to continue the timelessness, the free flow of function and beauty by drawing on the past, present and future. I strive to reveal the sublime elegance, the life, strength and spirit that is present in all matter.”

Courtney began to learn Maori tikanga through spending time at Hoani Waititi Marae and became involved with Maori material culture, contributing to her search for a balance of respecting the technology of Te Ao Tawhito (traditional Maori life and customs) with the necessity of living in Te Ao Hurihuri (the contemporary world).

Inspired by Maori and Pacific methods and traditions as well as her fashion and couture background, Courtney went on to create adornment pieces. Whilst these works have the integrity and beauty of traditional taonga, they are also contemporary, wearable and traverse the boundaries of jewellery, art and craft. More recently Courtney has developed larger object-based works.

An exhibiting artist since 1996, Courtney has worked in collaboration with the Pacific Sisters, is represented in many private collections, and has shown work in various public and dealer galleries throughout New Zealand and overseas. She holds a unique position in the New Zealand art community that she undertakes with a great deal of respect, understanding and integrity. Inspired by traditional Maori methods, Courtney works only with renewable resources. She always acknowledges her Maori and Pacific influences and from these has developed a contemporary, multicultural aesthetic that is all her own.

Taini Drummond (Ngati Mahuta Tainui) affirmed, “Na tona whakapono ki nga tikanga maori ka puta enei taonga aroha. Na te ao hurihuri ka kite tatou te whakatauki a toku tupuna Kotahi ano te kohao ote ngira kaputa te miro mangu, mete miro whero. Mete miro ma. Kia mau kite Whakapono Te Ture me te Aroha. Kaua e wehe wehe tatou, he wa ano ka kite tatou.”

(Her understanding of Maori is the essence of her gift. In this time of change we are assured from the Proverbs of our Ancestors that we all must come together Holding as she does the truth and love so we all may witness.)