Koru - Māori Art
from New Zealand
Learning
Objectives
1. The history of Koru
2. Well-known Artists
3. Elements of Art
4. Principles of Art
Koru - a symbol
of creation
Koru is the Māori word for “loop” or “coil.”
The koru is based on the shape of an unfurling fern frond, and is often used in Māori art to represent creation.
The circular shape symbolizes the idea of movement and change, while the coil symbolizes a return to one’s origins.
Meet Sofia Minson
Koru
Midnight Rose
Sofia’s work is inspired by her mixed heritage - Maori, Swedish, English, Scottish, and Irish - as well as her childhood spend across the world.
Meet Dr. Sandy Adsett
Te Whenua
Born in 1939, Dr. Adsett is one of the most significant and respected Maori artists and educators of his generation.
Meet Raewyn Harris
Harmony
Inspiration
Tangled Koru
Waimarama
Raewyn is from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand. She takes her inspiration from the landscape of her homeland, and the people who inhabit it.
Line, Space,
and Shape
Emphasis & Contrast, Variety, and Rhythm
& Movement,
Bring it all together…
greens, yellows, blues
Color
spiral, swirl, leaves, organic, natural
Shape
curved, organic
Line
page filled with large and small shapes
Space
curved lines and repeated patterns
Rhythm & Movement
large koru vs. shapes increasing in size
Balance
Let’s
Begin!
Step 1
Write your name on the back of your black paper with your white pencil.
On the front of your paper, make a dot about halfway up, and one third over from the left. This will be the center of your spiral.
Step 2
Starting from your white dot, make a spiral that ends somewhere near the bottom left corner of your page.
Repeat this to create the other “side” of your unfurling fern frond.
Step 3
Add organic lines coming from your koru to the outside of your paper. Try to make between 4 and 8 lines, spread out.
Step 4
Within each of the spaces created by your organic lines, add patterns, leaf shapes, or smaller koru spirals.
Finish your drawing with colors.
Examples
Materials
Sources