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A note on the Takahe paintings
The heavy lumbering, flightless, tussock loving bird seems an unlikely ambassador for us to send out into the Pacific and beyond. Yet its rarity and unique characteristics are themselves symbolic of an aspect of us as a nation. Takahe can represent us as we genuinely are perhaps even better than free flying graceful and more easily enjoyed birds. It is a reminder of the variety of types that come from Aotearoa. For ourselves living here I have chosen it as an image that says who ever you may be dont bury your head in a tussock but go out into the world and extend yourself. These ideas grew with the works, each new work suggested new themes and relationships posing new aesthetic dilemmas.
Throughout all of this I have attempted to retain the integrity of the Takahe themselves. On their part as on ours I am indebted to the work of the conservators who have worked so effectively to preserve these lovely treasures.
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