New Zealand
2024 Study Abroad
Embark on a visual journey through my study abroad experience, where I explore new mediums and subjects within my art inspired by my experience in New Zealand. For me this whole project has been about testing the limits of my art skills and finding new ways to improve.
Portrait Sketches
I decided to work on improving my skill by drawing people. These are very rough 10 to 20 minute sketches of the different people on my abroad. Some of the more stylized sketches I did in person while looking at the subject and creating a caricature while others are from photos a received and drew directly from.
Story of Creation
The earth mother, Papatūānuku and sky father, Ranginui heald each other close because their love was strong. As time began to pass their children who were trapped between them became cramped and decided they needed to push their parents apart. Many tried to seperate Papatūānuku and Ranginui but none were able to do so. Finally Tāne Mahuta, God of the forests decided he would push his head against the earth and his feet against the sky. Slowly the two began to separate giving their children space to breathe and move. Everyone rejoiced but Tāwhirimātea, god of the wind was angry. Seeing the sorrow of his parents he promised to storm and rage and never forgive his brothers. It is said that rain is the tears of Ranginui as he reaches for his lover.
Watercolor Studies
These watercolor studies of landscapes I encountered over the first week in New Zealand showcase the beauty of the land and my improvement in the medium diring my time on this abroad.
Kupe Vs The Octopus
Kupe was a great fisherman but when his peoples lines started coming back empty having the bait taken but no fish Kupe knew it could be an octopus at fault. The octopus belonged to a man named Muturangi who informed Kupe that his octopus would eat whatever it liked. Kupe informed Muturangi that he would slay the octopus for his people. He chased Te Wheke o Muturangi (The octopus of Mutarangi) across the sea. During their final battle Kupe threw a bundle of gourds into the sea as a decoy the Wheke, thinking they were Kupe attacked and left itself unprotected. Kupe jumped from his Waka onto the head of the Wheke and killed it.