Maps and sea charts are both beautiful and functional and each carries layers of information skilfully drawn and waiting to be read. Each chart has a story to tell of travel and adventure; a sense of place, belonging; order; and of finding our way forward.

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My 'Hic sunt dracones' series references the warning 'here be dragons' identifying uncharted waters, unknown territory on early globes and maps. Strange sea creatures, dragons or multi headed animals were drawn to signify the unknown and what may be found there. I have chosen to create my own hybrid creatures which suggest the unknown can yet be beautiful. This series arose from my concern at global warming, sea level rise and the uncharted territory we are living in with climate change.​​

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​A paper boat at sea suggests vulnerability, fragility and conveys the need for us to care for our oceans.

The paper boats are housed in a beautiful glass case, a symbol of preservation and reminiscent of model boats in large glass and wooden cases.

An array of diatoms on the inside surfaces of the boat see it become a protective vessel, an ark.

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With the Archipelago works, I embed human landforms in the chart, in the environment, as motu. We are part of nature, not separate to it and so I am re-charting the landscape, with the human as landforms/islands, a natural and intrinsic part of the ecosystem. Only with this way of seeing, this world view, can we be part of a harmonious whole.

These works also refer to a sense of belonging, a sense of place, of Turangawaewae. (Short film discussing this- link.)

 

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