Current workings
As a forth generation Pakehā, I am particularly interested in how we as a combined nation can use all wisdom at our disposal to form better and enduring relationships with the whenua, the land and environment. My work has always considered our human regard for indigenous flora and fauna, and this new focus allows a vital addition of Māori tikanga and how this could be rewarding for everyone in Aotearoa.
Awakening
Bronze and fibre-glass. 850mm long
Our relationship with the environment has many future unknowns. Like many in Aotearoa, I consider that critical change in attitudes and actions are needed to partner with nature. In my experience, any significant shift in vision most often involves risks and uncertainties, and needs courage and vulnerability to collaborate in new directions.
Our extinct huia and threatened pekapeka, tuna and tuatara are all taonga, that remind us of what has already gone, and the prospect of further loss.
The images below are of the pre-casting forms (wax, carved wood) and fibre-glass molds. In developments, I dispensed with the shroud idea, and the man is to be seen rising in the waka, coming awake.
The waka hull has been spray-painted bronze elements patinated and painted with oil paints. My process: readings, korero, drawings, iterations in wax, carving, fibre-glass, bronze, patinas, automotive spray-paint and oil paint.
Subsequent smaller figure combinations (in wax yet and cast), explore the idea of humankind in tension with nature - there is often a whimsical situation when bird-creatures seem to threaten humans.
