T Ā N E I, 2023, Tāne Motumotu series

In Māori cosmology TĀNE is a key figure, he is connected with all natural forms found under the forest canopy and is referred to as ātua of the ngāhere. He has numerous names which acknowledge his importance in Māori culture. He is the child who agrees with his brothers to separate the primal parents Rangi 'skyfather' and Papatūaknuku 'earthmother'. He is the one who climbs the twelve heavens to procure knowledge 'ngā kete e toru' for mankind. The forest scene here makes the point that the presence of TĀNE is in the very nature of the living forms within the forest, the rau 'leaves' of the rākau rangatira 'chiefly trees' and the birds that eat the fruits of the forest and spread the seed. The kūkū 'native wood pigeon' is one such bird. Throughout Polynesia it is acknowledged as the distributor of seed that helps regenerate the forest.

The process used in this painting involves the eco-sourcing of native leaves from my own propogation. When pruning the trees there is an opportunity to use the leaves.