I love paying both homage and respect to Mana Island in my artwork as I look out to it from Plimmerton every day. Mana Island is 3 km or 1.9 miles off the North Island coast in the Tasman Sea, west of the city of Porirua and south of the entrance to Porirua Harbour.
Sometimes I'll see a Kōtare or Sacred Kingfisher looking out to Mana Island.
At first glance it looks as though the sun or moon is over Mana Island, but in fact it's Wheke's eye. In Māori mythology, Te Wheke-a-Muturangi is a monstrous octopus. When Kupe reached New Zealand, he encountered the Wheke off Castlepoint. The giant octopus fled across Cook Strait, and was chased by Kupe through the Tory Channel.
In both Celtic and Norse (Viking) mythology, Wheke is the Kraken which is a giant Octopus or fearsome sea monster or creature. In some Scandinavian stories, the Kraken terrorizes ships and sailors, and dragged ships and crews to the bottom of the sea. Other Norse sagas and folk tales say that the Kraken causes whirlpools that capsize ships.
The swirls represent Wheke's body, almost like Wheke tentacles are enveloping Mana Island. I love the Kingfishers expression.
This painting is very deeply layered, but my sincere apologies - the effects are almost impossible to pick up with a camera. The paintings are much better in real life as the human eye can see the layers and special effects.
The painting is in blue, turquoise with metallic copper and golds. It doesn't show in the photos, but depending on which was the light falls on the layers in the painting there's nordic style motif, and metallic patterns that glint.
There are already so many beautiful images and views of the mighty Mana Island which is unsurprising, as Te Mana o Kupe is just incredible to look at. The Island is surrounded by ocean, it's sunrises and sunsets are simply majestic.
Kingfishers, like dragonflies are a sign of healthy waterways. Kingfishers love wetlands and thrive in beautiful places like Pauahatanui. We must stop building on, and clearing our wetlands. Wetlands are like the kidneys of the land and act as filters and assist with flooding.
What does seeing a kingfisher mean spiritually? Some suggest that Kingfishers are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, and balance. They have a free spirit with wanderlust running in their blood. In many cultures, these magnificent birds are also associated with fertility and good fortune. I personally love the wee squat Kingfisher and it's iridescent feathers and plumage. I listen for their call and spot them reguarly around Plimmerton.
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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.
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Because some paintings are oversized, they may take a little longer to arrive.
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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.
