VARIOUS WORKS

2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 2

Whanaungatanga

Inspired by travels to Crete these artworks are influenced by the Cretan pottery, specifically large-scale urns and vases that were used to preserve olives, oil and other perishables These vessels are over 5000 years old and at least five feet high, often made of local and intricately decorated with patterns, stories and motifs of the time. Along with these were smaller vessels that were used in ceremony and various rituals to honour the Greek gods and elements of nature. In this painting, the distinct vessel which was primarily used for ceremonial purposes has been re-purposed to focus on how it functions as a vessel today holding memories, guidance, healing, sustenance and more Inscribed with detailed drawings, this painting offers a glimpse into the unison of two different cosmologies.

Part of the ‘Ode to my Grecian Urn’ collection this painting pays homage to the artists’ Greek (Cretan) heritage. The urn depicts the Greek key as well as a Griffin, a mythological creature who was known for pulling Apollo’s chariot across the sky. Blended into the background a taniwha (Māori mythological creature) can be seen flanked by two kaitiaki (guardians). This painting epitomised the sacred resources and the earthen wares that were used to feed and fuel us in ancient times.

The distance between us. This painting was underway at the height of the COVID19 pandemic when Aotearoa was under a Level 4 Lockdown. Developed during this period of isolation, the characters in this painting were originally part of a distinct cluster, but over time have morphed and changed until they became fragments of their former selves. Ironically, this time of physical separation brought deep connection (especially through virtual communities); however, behaviours on the street still reinforced a sense of fear and hostility towards other human beings. To explore this primal and protective human response is the underlining motivation of the artist.

This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel

This painting is inspired by the tūpuna and the various faces of our ancestors. Specifically, the angles, colours and ta moko (facial marks) in this painting vibrate with the highest intention of healing for all peoples.

The Tree of Life

Drawing upon the archetypical Tree of Life that connects the heavens to the underworld this painting is an expression of various vibrating energies coming together in conversation. Different forms of relationships (such as familial ties) abound in this rich ecosystem that exposes the roots and invites the viewer to participate in new ways of seeing and experiencing connection. In Māori cosmology the birds are also messengers and carry our thoughts and prayers to the Ātua (the gods) The colours also showcase a distinctive palette from the ochre and brown tones of the gnarled root formations to the pink and then golden lights of the tree tops where different forms of flight are depicted

90cm x 180cm

$27.000

Language of love

Offerings of aroha (love) are brought from the spiritual plane to the earthly one by brown-skinned angels. These beings of light bring compassion to a world that constantly needs to be reminded to be kind. Beneath the angels a taniwha is formed coiled, carrying the wairua (spirit) of all living things and offering a way forward through a different world view.

This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel

This painting is part of the Angels and Ancestors collection and brings a range of different and intense energies into conversation with each other. The invocation of traditional archetypes, especially those from the Greek Orthodox Church find themselves at intersecting pathways with Indigenous signs and symbols. In this way, two very different ontologies are given the space to create breath and balance. Far from being a religious painting, this surrealistic landscape brims with emotion, trust and an invitation to venture into the unknown.

This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel

Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas

180cm x 235cm

$9,000

Throughout the history of civilisation rivers and seas have often helped shape the identity of its people and those that occupy its banks and shores In this painting the war canoe Te Winika is seen in its essence: a war machine that now sits proudly in the Waikato museum. Its reputation and wairua live on amongst the people of Tainui.

Two parts of the original War canoe Te Winika were hidden away from British soldiers during the Maori Land wars Te Winika the Famous war machine was cut loose from it mooring after the battle of rangnariri and drifted down river towards Port Waikato where it was later found. The prized Tauihu and the Taurapa were then buried in Totomoaka to preserve its mana and protect it from the British, who were out to destroy as may Māori waka as they could.

This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel

180cm x 235cm

$9,000

Waka Taurapa

Two parts of the original war canoe Te Winika were hidden away from British soldiers during the Maori Land wars. Te Winika the Famous war machine was cut loose from it morning after the battle of Rangnariri and drifted down river towards Port Waikato where it was later found. The prized Tauihu and the Taurapa were then buried in Totomoaka to preserve its mana and protect it from the British, who were out to destroy as may Māori waka as they could.

Angels and ancestors collide to create an intermediary space where humans are both fascinated and attracted to different worlds and their cosmologies - one Orthodox Christian, the other deeply Indigenous. This work embraces the notion of using 'whakapapa' (genealogy) as a technique to layer various images, icons and symbols to create a cohesive narrative. Specifically, the large hei tiki which dominates the left hand-side of the painting is studded with intimate family portraits in its belly, and then as your gaze moves upwards you can see constellations and ancestral pathways that take you right up the very open, conscious, and bright red eyes. These windows to the soul symbolize a universe inside a universe. On the right hand-side, the archangel I've created is inspired by the 13th century frescoes in churches in Crete (which is where I'm from) and laced with gold, magenta and blue. These colours share the opulence of the vestries The angel also has many swallows that we often see around these old monasteries which are now revered as cultural sites of historical significance.

This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel

Acrylic and Resin on Canvas. Framed in a black wood negative detail finish. 90cm x 150cm $18,000

He Taonga Toku Iho

Part of the ‘Ode to my Grecian Urn’ collection this painting pays homage to the artists’ Greek (Cretan) heritage. This painting is inspired by a kyathos, a Greek vase for wine mixing). The bright colours also evoke the chakras and the desire to be in communion with higher vibrations and a greater good. The writing in the background is taken from Dr. Rose Pere’s book Te Wheke (used with her permission) to evoke the need to be in balance with the gifts of our physical and divine selves.

Whanaungatanga

Inspired by travels to Crete these artworks are influenced by the Cretan pottery, specifically large-scale urns and vases that were used to preserve olives, oil and other perishables These vessels are over 5000 years old and at least five feet high, often made of local and intricately decorated with patterns, stories and motifs of the time. Along with these were smaller vessels that were used in ceremony and various rituals to honour the Greek gods and elements of nature. In this painting, the distinct vessel which was primarily used for ceremonial purposes has been re-purposed to focus on how it functions as a vessel today holding memories, guidance, healing, sustenance and more. Inscribed with detailed drawings, this painting offers a glimpse into the unison of two different cosmologies.

Powhiri o Nga Whetu

Our place amongst the stars within the wider universe is exceptionally precious. We are descendants of ancient peoples, tribes and cultures. We travel on our mother's back, Papatuanuku, cradled by our Father Sky Ranginui and as the sun turns away and the moon rises, we are gathered into a covenant that precedes the art of navigation. The stars, our ancestors, lean into our present to remind us of their presence and to guide us in the unfolding of a celestial plan.

Maumahara (Signed print on archival paper)

A pou (traditional Māori totem poles) begins to speak in the language of the sun. Brightly coloured rakau (Cuisenaire rods) spill from his mouth revealing stories and patterns through language. Two world entwine, memories of a drought that left the earth barren, and a new resurgence with vibrant and contemporary narratives yet to be shared.

This ancestral figure reflects the celestial colours of the southern night sky and shows him as a way finder guided by the dots of lights printed on the dark night skies. In Māori culture, Tohunga could read the star maps and chartered the heavens to navigate the open highways of our Pacific Ocean. Further, karakia was used to keep the faith and heart strong and to please the gods especially Tangaroa (God of the Sea) and Tawhirimatea (God of the Winds). All these elements are reflected in this sculpture and he is named after one of the very first navigators to Aotearoa.

Wood Base soft Stone Acrylic Paint and Resin on Canvas

50cm h x 30cm w x 20cmd

$9,000

Nga Whetu is a three-dimenesional painting that captures the energies of our unseen universe through the form of Hei Tiki and symbols of the universal flower. Hei Tiki is the first creation in Maori culture and the universal flower pattern is a sacred symbol for life and its infinite bond.