Dry Point Etching - Unframed Limited Edition of 5 Signed by Artist
‘Kea in a Kākahu’ speaks to the role of kaitiakitanga through the lens of ancestral knowledge and leadership. In this work, the kea is not simply a bird, but a tīpuna, cloaked in a kākahu, embodying the mana of a rangatira. It stands as a symbol of those who carry and pass on knowledge, who observe with sharp eyes and guide with quiet strength. The kea, often misunderstood as mischievous, is here reimagined as a kaitiaki and teacher. Its intelligence becomes a metaphor for mātauranga (ancestral knowledge) while the kākahu represents the sacred responsibility of holding and passing down knowledge across generations. In this artwork, every line is etched with intention, channelling the permanent marks left by our tīpuna on the world and on us. This work is a reflection on the role of intergenerational leadership in upholding kaitiakitanga and highlights the importance of sharing generational knowledge, language, and histories.
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.
PAPER: Black Ink on Fabriano Paper
SIZE: Image (including signature, title and number: 450mm x 300mm, Paper: 700mm x 500mm
