Stuart Namana
Matchstick Marae
Matchsticks, wood, buttons, found objects
1998
King Street Artworks

Artist's Statement
"If people really look at this marae they can see that matches are there…
What they could do with matchsticks…
There are many other art works that people can get into…
Being left alone myself for 5 years, joining the Christian church, I taught myself…
The Marae took me 2 hours every night for 6 months - people need to learn to finish something before they start the next… When I was really being put down, having lots of turns - the situation I have been put in - not allowed to work - to drive - to drink - an aunt came along and said get yourself a hobby in your mind, and that's when I started to do my artwork - sitting at home doing nothing - I couldn't stand it…
Because of my 'brain damage' I didn't really look at box - the ideas came from myself…
I made the marae about 10 years ago. It means to me - me being alone by myself with my epilepsy / blood pressure, etc. When I'm done I look at my artwork - it makes me feel good and proud about myself…
It just started off as pieces…
The artwork is a part of me…
When I'm feeling alone - the art opens up my heart…
When I see other sick people I am willing to give up my time for them because I know how bad it is…
King Street Artworks does a lot for me - communicate together - I see many young people off the streets, the old, sick, lonely (like I have been), they all come here and enjoy themselves. This opens up my heart."