Sandra Rowney: Tane Mahuta: God of the Forest

Tane Mahuta: God of the Forest

Kauri Tree 'Tane Mahuta'

Sketching is, I believe, all about looking, really looking, and being there. I don't mean being somewhere exotic, it could be sketching the cup and saucer on the breakfast table. The joy is losing yourself in the moment, focusing, concentrating and letting the outside world just slip away for a while.
Two hours sketching and staring up at this wonderful kauri tree (Agathis australis) had me spellbound. It is around 2000 years old, 17.68 mtrs tall and the girth is 13.77mtres. The Maori name is Tane Mahuta 'God of the Forest',
The tree was in the Waipoua Forest a couple of hours of switchback driving from Keri Keri in an under powered hire car with three of us wondering whether we'd have to get out and push.
I could mention the swimming on the way back at Opinoni (photos) and the divine fish and chip supper with passion fruit, pineapple and mango icecream but it wouldn't be relevant to an art blog would it?

2 comments:

Yuko said...: Yay I am in your painting.... Today was awesome day thank you so much Sandra, and was amazing icecream :) My tummy is still full!!!; January 18, 2012
Sandra Rowney said...: Hi Yuko! Yes that is Yuko standing in front of the tree with the check top and jeans. Aya says you ate the pasta supper as well? Today was fun!; January 18, 2012

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Welcome to my sketching and painting online diary. I work in a studio at home that overlooks my walled garden in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. I'm happy to share my daily artwork online, it gives me a focus, enables me to 'exhibit' what I do and hopefully entertains and inspires others along the way.

Back in 1997 I started a re-education in art after a career in business education and research. In 2007 I finally graduated with a Masters degree in Art, Design and Education and haven't looked back.

I have an artist residency in North Norfolk in the walled garden at the stately home of Holkham Hall. I belong to the Norwich 20 Group of artists and exhibit paintings widely. I am involved in theatre design, run workshops and am obsessed with sketching diaries.

At the end of October 2010 I began a fascinating art project as resident artist in the Holkham Walled Garden. I am fortunate in having the enthusiastic support of Tim Marshall the Head Gardener and his team of staff and volunteer gardeners. The garden covers six and a half acres, divided into sections that include a kitchen garden, high vineries, cold frames, shrubberies and grassed function areas. It is now being slowly restored over five years and I am working with Tim Marshall in recording the progress.

We have an online blog which I photograph and compile weekly, the link is below. This forms the basis of an exhibition and accompanying book which will be on show in the garden when it opens again to the public on April 1st 2012. The exhibition is in the 'potting shed gallery' which houses my current exhibition of sketches of work in the garden throughout the year.

My thanks this year for financial assistance from Holkham Estates, Norfolk County Council and the Friends of Norfolk Museums.