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This large abstract painting is of two native New Zealand Sacred Kingfisher / Kōtare.
Kōtare / Sacred Kingfisher Rua / Two is the second painting in a series of 4 Kōtare paintings. This series of four paintings are almost like a biography and tell my life story.
This painting represents my tamariki ātaahua, the most rahi part of my life. Without a doubt, the two happiest days of my life were when they were born. Besides love, I felt the most important thing a parent can give their children is roots and wings, which I tried to capture this in this painting. I am so very proud of my children, their incredibly kind natures, and how close they are as siblings. My beautiful offspring have taught and teach me so much, and I feel utterly blessed to be their whaea / mother.
This is the second painting I've finished in 2024. The paintings take years to complete and are deeply layered. The Kingfishers feel 3D against the watery abstract background, in colour tones of mainly in turquoise, with blues, mint, and metallic gold.
The background looks quite trippy and sometimes, depending on which way your eye catches the painting, you'll see obscured things take form.
My paintings are not like anything I've ever seen before. While they look highly textured, the surface is flat, and wipes clean.
It doesn't show in the photos but depending on which way the light falls on the layers in the painting there are sparkles and beautiful iridescent shimmers, just like the feathers and plumage of the Sacred Kōtare. Close up, you'll see my signature stylized Celtic Scandi unusual patterns on the Kingfishers, which become more prominent depending on light sources.
My sincere apologies - the effects in the painting are almost impossible to pick up with a camera. So, the photos and short clips are taken at different angles try to capture the effects. The artwork is much better in real life as the human eye can see all the layers and differentiate light sources. I haven't had a painting returned yet, but there's always a first time aye!
It's a truly beautiful painting, just like Sacred Kingfisher. I love the call of the Kingfisher and feel utterly blessed when I hear and see them in Plimmerton. I am quite pathetic and swoon over their colourful iridescent feathers, their wee squat bodies, the way they soar, swoop, dive, and bring up their young. They might be chunky birds, but boy, they are fast flyers for their size!
A good friend on seeing the painting for the first time asked if they were Kookaburras, which is an Australian bird with raucous laughter. Which I thought was apt, given my offspring are known for their fabulous humour, and New Zealand Kingfishers are closely related to the Kookaburra, both are classified as Kingfishers.
Kingfishers are also indicators of healthy water, especially wetlands. We need our wetlands as they act like kidneys and are critical connection between land and water. Wetlands naturally filter out all the bad stuff, their plants absorb nutrients which otherwise would make its way into our freshwater systems.
Even though Kōtare live for 15 years, for most of the year they are mainly solitary, pairing only in breeding season. The Kōtare is both fearless and aggressive when it comes to food and family. The birds have excellent eyesight and can spot even very small items of food from a considerable distance.
The word 'Kōtare' is also the word for the elevated platform in a pā, used as a sentry lookout point to watch for enemies. Perfect considering the Kingfisher perches motionless then attacks its prey - seemingly from nowhere. The Kōtare knows what to do and when to act, it is patient and alert to subtle changes in its environment.
The native New Zealand Sacred Kingfisher has a shining green-blue back, a thick black bill that distinguishes it from other Kingfishers. While there are over 100 species of kingfisher worldwide, the Sacred Kingfisher only breed in New Zealand.
According to Polynesian legend, the Sacred Kingfisher is believed to have power over the ocean and waves.
Kingfishers symbolize patience and perseverance. Their vibrant colours can represent beauty, vibrancy, and positivity.
The New Zealand Sacred Kōtare are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, balance, and a free spirit.
What does seeing a Kingfisher mean spiritually? Some suggest that Kingfishers are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, and balance. They have wanderlust running in their blood. In many cultures, these magnificent birds are also associated with fertility and good fortune.
To me, Kōtare represent facing the future with optimism.
I've partnered with this painting with a few tunes dedicated to my offspring / tamariki. And always remember the rules kids; Yer naw ah lood in th' kitchen unless yer dancin'.
Empire of the Sun - We Are The People (The Shapeshifters Vocal Remix). Listen here on Spotify, or here on YouTube.
Stornoway - Fuel Up. Listen here on Spotify, or here on YouTube.
Bill Withers - Lovely Day. Listen here on Spotify, or here on YouTube.
Lulu James - Be Safe (Produced by Hostage & Kidnap Kid). Listen here on Spotify, or here on YouTube.
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds. Listen here on Spotify, or here YouTube.
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Shipping is included in the price within New Zealand. We carefully pack and send by courier. You will be emailed the courier tracking number. Your artwork will arrive with 2-5 working days depending on your location.
We do not post to PO box addresses.
Because some paintings are oversized, they may take a little longer to arrive.
If you're an international buyer, please email us for a shipping quote.
The artworks are finished in a UV resistant resin which gives it that glass like finish. However, for longevity it’s best not to place this painting, or any artwork, or even humans or animals in direct UV / sunlight.
All multimedia work is created using top quality materials and arrives ready to be hung, with hanging hardware already attached to the back. But should you wish to professionally frame – you can do that too.
If you're considering a painting, but not 100% sure, please feel free to email me a photo of the room or space you'd like to hang the painting in. I'll email through a mock-up of what it could look like in your living room, dining room, office, kitchen or wall.
Full disclosure: The artworks, like the artist, are not perfect. I have a Siberian Husky dog called Sasquatch and some loose strands of fur may be forever immortalized in your painting, although I can’t guarantee that either!
That said, I want you to be 100% happy with your painting and I understand that buying art online can be challenging. So, I offer a 7-day return policy. If you receive the painting and decide it’s not for you, or it doesn’t suit the room you bought it for, please feel free to return it to me in its original condition - within 7 days of receiving it and I will be happy to refund, less any postage costs.
If you like something that has been sold, drop me a line, as I might be able to create something just for you.
