Papatūānuku

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.

Medal Artists New Zealand. MANZ
11-30 March 2025 Artis Gallery, Parnell.

These works explore Papatūānuku’s role in Te orokohanga o te ao – the creation of the world. Papatūānuku is considered to be the Māori  Earth Mother, the source of all life. She is presented as having a rich and intense relationship with both the whenua, flora, and fauna taonga. She shows us an intimate regard for the world around us that we could emulate. My exhibited works include a large bronze: Papatūānuku -Te kaitiaki o ngā mea katoa i te ao. The guardian of all things on Earth, and 3x smaller art-medals that are 2x sided: Te Whānautanga o tētahi huia me te pekapeka-The birth of a huia and the pekapeka, Te hua o te taiao mā roto i a Papatūānuku. The abundance of nature through Papatūānuku, and Te kaihāpai o te whenua. Papatūānuku as sustainer of the whenua. The images below show the development from initial wax forms, to hollow-cast wax (large piece only), to hollow-cast bronze, welding and fettling, patination and waxing.

(Papatūānuku /  Earth Mother, the source of all life)