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Hand Carved by Sully Paea

Pacific Canoe (Vaka)

Niuean-born Sully Paea is a veteran youth worker with over 45 years of experience and a dedicated artist based in Otara, Tamaki Makarau. Sully discovered his passion for carving later in life, recognising its profound impact on reconnecting youth with their cultural roots. What began as a hobby has evolved into a powerful expression of life and heritage.
For the past 15 years, Sully has been on a journey back to his homeland of Niue, where he has rekindled the carving traditions he remembered from childhood stories told by the island's elders. This experience ignited his passion for carving and preserving Pasifika history. Combining his love for culture with a deep interest in uncovering historical narratives, Sully is committed to creating vaka from across the Pacific. His mission is to see the art of Pacific carving revived and embraced by young people, ensuring that these rich traditions continue to thrive.The heart behind his first ‘Tau vaka he Pasifika’ Exhibition Sep 2024 was for viewers to embark on a journey across the Moana, where vaka has long been the vessels of our people, carrying cultures and stories over vast waters. This exhibition invited people to experience the exquisite artistry of hand-carved vaka designs from Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.In an age where the tradition of carving vaka is waning, Sully's collection celebrates the craftsmanship that preserves our heritage, narratives, and the vibrant artistry of Pasifika. Each vaka, like the islands they hail from, is unique.

The distinct cultural flavours are evident in the meticulous workmanship, with designs and functions shaped by the diverse landscapes they navigate. While Pasifika cultures share enchanting similarities, their vaka designs showcase a stunning array of styles and purposes.
Featured Vaka:
Niue, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, Rarotonga, Mangaia, Pukapuka, Tahiti, Hawaii, Tuvalu, Fiji, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Caroline Islands.Vaka carved on commission:
Sully can carve on commission when his schedule allows. All profits go to the community work of Sully Paea

YOUTH & CARVING

In recent years particularly 2019 onwards and through covid - Sully worked with his local neighbourhood youth teaching them carving, wood-work, building bikes and using these as his way of educating them in history, cultural roots, numeracy and literacy combined. Although he has been a pioneer in youth work for decades, he has most recently used carving as a powerful tool for connecting young people to their cultural roots they have disconnected from.He has developed a carving youth programme that has been delivered in schools and runs pop up workshops where he mentors through carving.