"In this artwork, ‘Whanaungatanga’, I explore the connection between birds and the reuse of materials, i.e., feathers used to create Kakahu (Maori cloaks). This artwork examines the idea of evolution and the circle of life, as the bird’s feathers live on, woven into this Kakahu. With the feathers turned out, the birds are able to fly again."
Drypoint etching is an intaglio printmaking technique where an image/ drawing is scratched directly onto a metal or acrylic plate using a sharp needle. The action of drawing raises a burr (a ridge of displaced material) along the lines, which holds ink and creates rich, velvety marks when printed. Ink is applied to the plate and then wiped so it remains only in the incised lines. The plate is then run through a printing press with damp paper, transferring the image onto the paper under pressure. Each print captures the delicate textures and expressive quality of the hand-drawn lines.
