Beacons of Gaia ki Parirua

I wanted to make a work that celebrated the many people in Parirua (often referred to as Porirua), to celebrate the work of so many to protect our environment and to enact it in a way that grows community. Projects like the amazing ‘Te Rito’ that have not only been growing plants but also a community of skilled kaitiaki taiao.

In 2021 I saw youths struggling with mental health challenges, so I wanted this project to counter the negativity and recognise the great things happening in this wonderful place. Yes there's a lot to worry about but here’s some examples of people creating small but powerful solutions. Whether it be a weaver keeping alive the perfect zero carbon material knowledge or a scientist campaigning for structural change, we can make a better world.

I am a fifth generation Tangata Tiriti of Irish ancestry who grew up Catholic. I brought in symbolism from my ancestral home, such as the Irish knot symbol. Its continuity and interconnectedness of life is a theme I felt really drawn to explore in this work. I wanted to reference the stained glass I loved as a child and create symbolic portraits that spoke to the moral and visionary nature of the people I was celebrating.

As the portraits will be shown in summer and rarely backlit, I wanted them to be colourful and light. After all the challenges of the last few years I hope the community finds the work a positive story of hope and connection.

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