Reretahi

(Reretahi - Harmony)

I always felt there would be something very special about this piece.

It took a lot of time and much reflection. It was during the period of Matariki and I felt it.

The Morton Bay tree sits in a very unique and beautiful part of Aotearoa. In every branch and every twist, it tells a story of its history and of this place, Kororareka and the Duke of Marlborough.

It was a privilege and a gift to carefully paint every branch; ensuring it’s growth hadn’t been in vain. I painted the butchered parts too. Life is never without some compromise. A compromise nature makes, for us to be here.

I choose the sky hues of dusk. A reminder we have lived another day – so let us be grateful.

The tree is the main character of the painting and it deserves to be remembered and honoured. Nature will always partner with us, if we partner with it. We see the tree and the Duke standing the tests of time together.

In all its colours, all of its darkness and all of its light; It understands the languages of this place. Not all of them are spoken here, but it understands and knows the truth of the past and the present. It’s been here longer than any of us.

The tree knows our history, yet appropriately and respectfully continues to grow despite of it.

It doesn’t seek to change that which surrounds it. It seeks to grow and live harmoniously in this place. It is a true treasure.