A selection of 1/1's tondos by Dominique Baker of her Japanese X Māori culture Geisha.

"It was something about their mysterious yet elegant poses that drew me in..." "One painting of a Geisha led to another and before I knew it that's all I wanted to paint! Never quite perfecting the last and always looking to make the next better."

Wooden panel frames are firstly prepared as the support for my works. With the use of clear gesso and shellac varnish, these mediums begin to shape and form my figures. To lay the foundations of the painting, acrylic paint is then applied. These mediums subtly represent the colonial influence of our history. Finally, Japanese steel chisels are used to carve the intricate detailings, such as feathers of korowai (cloak) and kōwhaiwhai (Māori motif) seen on tukutuku panels, flowers, hair highlights, weaving, taaniko patterns, and bird feathers. This form of carving or etching, suggests a connection to the Māori art form of whakairo.