Written and directed by Angie-Pepper O'Bomsawin. Julie Paama-Pengelly is a veteran in the revitalization of ta moko Maori tattooing. Her studio in Mount Maunganui mixes contemporary and traditional designs and cultivates artists from all walks of life. With twenty years teaching experience, her art practice ranges from the use of symbolic imagery to pure abstraction in graphic design, painting, mixed media, and tattooing. Over time many misconceptions have surfaced about who has the right to wear and practice tâ moko. Julie is one of the first women to practice in the male-dominated field. She is a strong voice for Maori women's rights and continues to break down barriers to give women a place in tâ moko and in the arts.
