Darby Tuhaka is a practitioner of Toi Māori, an art form that he approaches with a holistic philosophy. His practice is multifaceted with crafts that include traditional Māori tattooing by hand, Māori medicine, and various forms of carving—bone, jade, and wood. Despite the breadth of his practice, the central theme that unites all his work is healing. For Darby, art is not just a means of creative expression but a powerful tool for healing the body, mind and spirit.

“Toi itself, its value is creativity. The ability to create. Whether it’s to create in a thought or to create in an art form, a carving. It’s the gift given to us, the ability to create in all forms.”

Darby operates under the philosophy of “ahako no whē, ahako kōwai,” meaning “no matter who you are or where you’re from.” This inclusive mindset guides his work, especially in helping individuals heal through creativity. An example is his work with a man suffering from advanced Huntington’s disease. Through the therapeutic process of wood carving, Darby has helped this individual connect with his creative potential and find a sense of accomplishment.

Darby’s personal mantra, “I can, I will,” is a testament to his resilience and belief in the power of creativity. He continues to create daily, embodying the idea that true creativity comes from the mind and spirit. For Darby, the ability to create is a divine gift, one that also carries the power to heal.

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