In traditional kowhaiwhai work on meeting house rafters, the white patterning has its own vitality and can take the eye’s focus. Here, using a kowhaiwhai scroll similar to the mangopare (hammer-headed shark) design, John creates a pattern of light areas in contrast to the textured and coloured areas. The coloured sections can recede to the background or be lifted by the eye into the foreground.
Carving patterns form the wing feathers of the Amokura or tropic bird. A similarly patterned crane from Asia and a frigate bird from the central Pacific fly with Amokura. Skilled in locating fish, amokura are often pursued by frigate birds, which dive to steal the catch as the amokura lift the fish from the sea.
The central space represents the Pacific. Segments reminiscent of taniko borders give an impression of geological plates associated with lands adjacent to the Pacific Basin.
The taniko-like pieces, richly symbolic of many cultures, also represent ceremonial cloaks, honouring lands and people. Reindeer horns and Aztec designs signify Native America. Images of flowers from Asian art suggest the presence of China, while part of a rainbow and seeds allude to the Australian continent.
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
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