He Taonga by Joanne Craig
Joanne Craig is a New Zealand artist living in Otepoti, Dunedin. I live on a lifestyle block overlooking Blueskin Bay and surrounded by the beauty of nature and birdlife.
Describe the inspiration behind your kiwi.
The inspiration behind my kiwi is in the symbolism of the colours and patterning. I chose to use black and white, the colours associated with our national identity, to underline the status the kiwi has as an icon of New Zealand identity. The koru encodes ideas of new life, renewal and the ongoing unfolding of nature. In my design I wanted the koru-like pattern covering my kiwi to represent our hopes and aspirations for the kiwi population.
Describe the design process. How did your idea turn into a kiwi?
The design process involved choosing between a few different concepts and then doing a mock up design on my iPad. Then its was onto choosing the paints and beginning. Using house paints and working on a three dimensional surface was an interesting first for me. Im pleased with the way it has turned out. I like the symbolic value of my kiwi.
Why did you say 'yes' to joining the Kiwi Art Trail?
I said yes to joining the Kiwi Art Trail because, as with most New Zealanders, I feel an affinity with nature. I also have a degree in conservation biology. It very much aligns with my values to support this cause. Kiwi conservation seems particularly important as it really does seem unthinkable that such a national icon, and our namesake, be lost.
Have you ever seen a kiwi?
I have seen kiwi in the Auckland zoo as a child many years ago but not in the wild. I think that would be pretty special.
Why do you do what you do? What inspired you to become an artist?
Being an artist as a career has been my dream. Im inspired by the capacity of the arts to inspire people to greater insight, nobility, peace, action, etc and love being a part of this.
Find out more about He Taonga on here.
