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This large painting is of a native New Zealand Sacred Kingfisher / Kōtare fishing, dipping and diving into a pool of water.
Kōtare / Sacred Kingfisher Toru / Three is the third painting in a series of 4 Kōtare paintings. This series of four paintings are almost like a biography & tell my life story. They have taken many years to complete.
I think this painting is my best work as an artist & is almost like a self portrait.
The New Zealand Sacred Kōtare are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, balance, and a free spirit.
The magnificent colours of the 3D Kōtare bird reflect and undulate in the glistening water.
Kingfishers are both physical and metaphorical indicators of healthy water. The pool ripples are symbolised as creation of self-care for tinana / physical, wairua / spiritual, and hinengaro / psychological health.
According to Polynesian legend, the Sacred Kingfisher is believed to have power over the ocean and waves.
There are 3 different whirlpools swirling fast around the Kōtare which I've painted to describe unsettling elements. The solitary Kingfisher is captured in a nano second, going about its own business, steadfast / manawa rahi and strong / kaha - despite the disturbed and dark conditions surrounding it.
This painting represents survival against the odds, and instead of succumbing to the dark (wairua pouri), letting it be. While self-creating a tohu ora space for light, positivity / ngākaupai and luminous beauty to thrive and exist in. Which is pretty much my life story told in a stunning painting.
The colourful blue green turquoise, yellow, orange / red 3D Kingfisher stands out against the abstract background. The backdrop watery scene is done in colour tones of mainly blues, turquoise with dark grey and black around the outside, with glints of metallics and gold. My Kōtarani / Scottish whakapapa / genealogy is represented with azure kikorangi / blue.
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 pattern on the Kingfisher, which becomes more prominant depending on light source.
My paintings are not like anything I've ever seen before. They are deeply layered. While they look highly textured, the surface is flat, and wipes clean.
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!
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.
Kingfishers symbolize patience and perseverance. Their vibrant colours can represent beauty, vibrancy, and positivity.
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.
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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.
