Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Wehiwehi

Elaine Bevan is very interested in contemporary developments in Māori art though draws constant inspiration from the fine work of weavers from the past. She admires complex mahi whatu and mahi raranga and enjoys difficult weaving challenges that demand her time, skill and patience.

Preferring to work with traditional materials, Elaine tends her own pā harakeke to expand and conserve local resources and provide quality material to weavers. She is also interested in indigenous plant dyes and is constantly experimenting with different media.

Weaving for more than thirty years, Elaine graduated from Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai at Te Wānanga o Raukawa in 2001 and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally.

She taught for many years for the  Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai programme (Bachelor in Design and A.R.T.) at Te Wānanga of Raukawa. Her work gives her the opportunity to gain inspiration from other artists, exhibit in galleries, attend hui raranga, and research Māori weaving materials and techniques.

Recent exhibitions include:

Tiaho Mai, Kiwibank Paraparaumu

Te Ringa Māhorahora, Toi Matarau Gallery, Māoriland Film Hub, Ōtaki