The Story of Harakeke

Conservation of our environment is a recurring theme in my work and in many ways by highlighting the beauty that surrounds us gives a greater sense of responsibilities as guardians of the land. Early botanists recorded New Zealand's native flora and my work is also inspired by these early drawings.

This drawing of a flax bush, or harakeke in Maori, has been converted into a silk screen print. "Harakeke was the name given to this plant by Maori. The first European traders called it "flax" because its fibres were similar to that of true flax found in other parts of the world. Though we still call it flax today, harakeke is really a lily. It is unique to New Zealand and is one of our oldest plant species."
Source: Department of Conservation