| "Lake Waihora"

South Island mythology and history form the subject of this painting which depicts Lake Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) (meaning wide expanse of water, looking northward towards Banks Peninsula from the settlement of Taumutu. The relatively smooth waters of the lake sweep toward a central line. To the right is the curved spit of land separating the lake from the breaking waves at the sea’s edge.

The line that plunges into the lake represents Rakaihautu’s ko or digging stick. According to South Island lore, the ko formed many South Island lakes, before being left on top of Mount Bossu, overlooking Akaroa. In the painting a stylized representation of Akaroa has been moved to the west, to lie adjacent to the ko.

Lake Waihora, where John spent his early years, was the scene of an invasion by his own musket-bearing relatives led by Te Rauparaha, in early 1832. Ngai Tahu of the region suffered further misfortune at the hands of Governor Grey in the 1840’s, losing ownership of the lake with its rich food resources. Roimata toroa patterning (the tears of the albatross) sweep across the sky, forming two taniko borders to convey John’s dismay at these events.

This is a commemorative work, with swirling sections of a cloak acknowledging the trials and endeavours of the people who lived and died in the region. Torn threads have been detached from the cloak, while a section of taniko border swings above the lake.

Limited edition prints on Hahnemhle Fine Art paper - 308GSM
Printed to original size (approx 550mm x 750mm)
Original painting - mixed media on paper
$NZ1400.00 + GST and freight