Waiora – 110x76cm

Waiora is a broad conception of wellbeing, grounded in wai (water) as the source of ora (vitality). This painting was created in response to the loss of my Father and portrays the view from the urupā where he was laid to rest that overlooks Whangapē harbour in the far north of New Zealand. This harbour inlet was where my Dad and his brothers once rode horses bare back while the tide was out. A fond memory of my Dads that he enjoyed recounting any chance he could. Under the overarching theme of waiora the elements and imagery within this artwork were all carefully considered. Through creating this work I wanted to show the importance of remembering where we come from and the comfort that comes from the realization that we always carry our loved ones with us long after they leave the physical world. The water flowing through the hands is about spiritual renewal. the pounamu hanging between the fingers is in the shape of a single roimata (tear) and represents the healing that comes from the shedding of tears and having a safe space to share them. The woven kete is about the support that was given to my whānau and myself through our journey of grief. The Takarangi spiral pattern in the sky is about the circle of life. The two spirals that encircle each other represent Ranginui (the sky Father) and Papatūānuku the earth Mother. The space between them ( light and knowledge). To me this pattern acknowledges both the spiritual and physical realms and the cyclic nature and harmony of the universe.