It is late summer and I’ve got a few projects on the go. I am currently completing sketches for a series of works on the Tamaki Estuary in Auckland. In this sketch (detail pictured above) I have used foliage from the Pakuranga area of the estuary – mainly mangroves, samphire and reeds. I’ve recently started photographing all the foliage that I use in each artwork to help with identification of plant species.
A visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens over summer was a rewarding experience and I was particularly interested to see an exhibition of fossils. Included in the exhibition was this 97 million year old fossil from the Gondwana forest floor with ancient plant species and numerous ferns. I intend to use this fossil as a starting point for some large drawings for entry into this year’s Parkin Drawing Award.
I also sought out Kauri trees on my summer travels, an ancient tree species endemic to New Zealand. Kauri were extensively logged for a century and are no longer common. I found some wonderful young and very old kauri at A H Reed Kauri Park in Whangarei. The young Kauri had male and female cones and appeared very healthy. Sadly many Kauri have been afflicted with a mysterious disease prompting research and debate on the best course of action to preserve this species. I have been using fallen Kauri leaves in my artworks recently and their tough, rubbery leaves are wonderful to work with.
A visit to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail in the Mahurangi area north of Auckland was also a source of inspiration. There I discovered a lovely grove of Kauri along the trail. This sculpture walk features works by some of New Zealand’s leading sculptors and is a delight to visit. I’m hoping to undertake an artwork using foliage from the area in the future.
Finally, I have been planning a small exhibition for later this year using foliage from the Purewa creek area in Auckland. This is a large area of urban bush with many native tree and plant species. This year a cycleway and path is being developed through the Purewa area along the railway line and this urban bush will become more accessible as a result. It feels like an appropriate time to bring to attention some of the species found in this area and to raise awareness about it’s importance within the local ecosystems.
Celeste Sterling 