500mm x 500mm unframed sheet size
20 signed & numbered limited edition archival pigment ink prints on cotton stock

The Birds have all gone? Where?Where?Where? I am in conversation with myself. 'KĀORE TĀTOU E TIAKI' , We are not caring, 'KORE TAKE' (am I an 'idiot' for thinking this?). The 'TANE MANU' Birdman sits thinking about himself (Am I this Birdman? I paint Birds? Is this my future? Then I must help preserve it). 'I NGĀ WĀ O MUA' - Back in the Past (people always talk about the past when there was more of this and that).'KA RERE TE MANU' - The Bird Flies, 'E PŌAHA ANA TĀKU NGĀKAU' - My Heart is Open, 'I MATE TĀTOU I NGĀ KĪREHE KATOA' - We killed all the animals (this one sounds more dramatic than it is - my nephew made this comment when he was about 3 years old and his Nanny (my mum) had made this yummy dinner of Roast Chicken. He innocently asked 'What's this Nanny?', 'It's Chicken' then he commented "We killded all the Animals'). It worked with my thoughts while painting it. I talk, talk, talk to myself often.

In essence the piece is very personal about my thoughts on our environment but remaining positive and optimistic. My work is all about positivity, hence this piece is a bit of a mixed bag - A JUXTAPOSITION ARTWORK. I make a living from painting it, I do support charities and organisations that support this, but in some ways I am still guilty of neglect. The background represents my 'brain thoughts' yet the bright Tieke in the foreground represent 'He Ataahua te Mauri Ora' - The Beauty of Life and Nature. I have painted over the background with the colourful, beautiful manu to remind me to stay positive and happy.