Te Ara Rua by FLOX
With her distinctively vibrant and bold colours, FLOX transforms blank spaces into vivid portrayals of our natural landscape. Her flora and fauna inspired compositions are a celebration of Aotearoa's environmental taonga.
Describe the design process. How did your idea turn into a kiwi?
The idea began with a feeling rather than a fixed image. I wanted to explore contrast and balance — something that felt both abundant and fragile. The kiwi felt like the perfect vessel for that story. I started by sketching the form and then split it down the centre, creating two mirrored halves. From there, the design evolved organically: one side built up with layered colour, foliage and movement, the other stripped back and calm, shaped by a single punga frond. The kiwi emerged naturally as the anchor — quiet, grounded, and deeply symbolic.
What's your favourite thing about your sculpture? What makes it super cool?
My favourite thing is the duality. I love that it invites people to pause and really look — to notice the difference between the two sides and what they might represent. From some angles it feels lush and alive, from others restrained and still. That contrast feels powerful to me, and very true to the environments kiwi live in. Plus, seeing my signature layering translated into a three-dimensional form is always exciting — it pushes my practice in new ways.
Why did you say 'yes' to joining the Kiwi Art Trail?
It was an easy yes. The Kiwi Art Trail brings together art, community and conservation — three things I deeply care about. I said yes again because I genuinely believe in what the trail stands for, and I love being part of something that creates conversation and awareness in such an accessible way. Each year feels like a new opportunity to contribute creatively while supporting an important cause.
What do you like about kiwi and kiwi conservation? Why is the kiwi important to you?
Kiwi are incredibly special — they’re quiet, resilient and uniquely ours. I’m drawn to their vulnerability and the care they require from us to survive. Kiwi conservation represents responsibility, guardianship and respect for our natural world. For me, protecting kiwi is about protecting the stories, ecosystems and identity that make Aotearoa what it is.
Have you ever seen a kiwi?
I haven’t seen one in real life yet, but I’ve heard them — and that was magical. I was up in Kororāreka (Russell) and hearing a kiwi call in the darkness is something I’ll never forget. It felt ancient and otherworldly, like a reminder that there’s so much life around us that we rarely see. I would absolutely love to see one in real life someday, but even hearing one felt incredibly special.
Why do you do what you do? What inspired you to become an artist?
I do what I do because creating feels essential to who I am. I’ve always been inspired by nature, colour and storytelling, and art became the way I could make sense of the world around me. Over time, my practice has grown into a way of connecting people to place — to landscapes, birds, and the quiet beauty of the natural environment. If my work can spark curiosity, care or connection, then I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing.
Find out more about Te Ara Rua on here.
