These artworks are a representation of my connection to the land, reflecting where I live and my visual interpretations of it. Each piece carries a story that resonates with me, capturing moments spent there and memories shared with family, friends, and cherished experiences.

As my family and I have recently relocated to Taranaki, this move has greatly influenced my artistic perspective. This has inspired a shift towards using oil paints along with reconnecting with past techniques revitalising my creative process.

These artwork compositions are close to me and I hope that you connect your own stories within these works.

- Rob Barrington.

I am often inspired by my coastal surroundings. In this collection I have observed aspects of native plants near me to create sculptural works evocative of ‘New Zealand’. In particular the distinct silhouettes of korari and toe toe flowers, tī kōuka and pōhutakawa leaves and the plump seed pod of the harekeke. It is with deep reverence that I represent these native species as devotional objects.

My woven work is a testament to the intimate bond I share with the earth, a connection deeply rooted in the materials I use. Using whatʼs around me in nature I have a bounty at my fingertips. In the garden or at the beach I pounce on these treasures, already half reimagined into its other life.
I take these taonga and apply basketry techniques used world wide, delighting in resurrecting nature's castoffs, reinterpreting how natural elements are viewed and displayed. Through my work, I aim to offer a new narrative for these natural elements, one that honours their origin and invites contemplation on their continued journey.

- Tanya Doty.

I am often inspired by my coastal surroundings. In this collection I have observed aspects of native plants near me to create sculptural works evocative of ‘New Zealand’. In particular, the distinct silhouettes of korari and toe toe flowers, tī kōuka and pōhutakawa leaves and the plump seed pod of the harekeke. It is with deep reverence that I represent these native species as devotional objects.

- Claire Jensen.

The diversities and similarities of different species fascinate me and I am particularly drawn to the varying forms, textures and colours of the natural world especially our native species. Such as our stunning Pohutukawa growing defiantly, windswept and precariously clutching at cliffs and in the sandiest locations, all along our North lsland coastal shores. Often inhabited by our beloved cheeky and highly social piwawakawa, who I like to think of as messengers for those who have passed before us.

I encourage you to take a moment to inspect in minute detail the next seed or leaf, or shell you are drawn to. Run your eye along the curvature of its edge, notice the subtle range of colour, the intricate detail of repeated shapes becoming incrementally smaller. We protect what we value, and the diversity and unique life we are privileged to have in Aotearoa is definitely worthy of protecting.

- Jo Richards-Hooker.