The Forager

Normally as an artist, when you think of portraiture, you think of a vision formulating in your mind, and a compulsion to commit that vision to canvas.

Well this was sort of like that, but not!

Saintamarea appeared in our lives by default, without some grand design. I had put a filing cabinet online for sale (to make room for Gwyn's art studio) and the wonderful purchaser called over to collect it.

Even standing in the garage it was obvious there was a presence about 'Marea, well before discovering she had a healing gift. She seemed to exude a calmness and serenity that made you draw in your breath and exhale with an uncontrolled smile. Her voice, like her demeanour, was soothing and it somehow felt safe to reach out to her, and reach out we did!

In an impulsive 'never let a moment slip through your fingers' kind of move, I summoned the courage to ask Marea if she would consider sitting for a portrait with Gwyn. After showing her some of the art Gwyn had created over his career, she was excited to become involved.

Gwyn had developed a style over a lengthy illustration career, enabling a viewer to create their own in depth narrative of the piece, by adding all sorts of components relating to the story and melding them into an awe-inspiring composition.

As if Marea's striking looks weren't enough to allow Gwyn to picture a stunning portrait, upon getting to know her spiritual path as a Tohunga Matangaro, the rest fell easily into place. Gwyn was excited to discuss with Marea the most important elements in her calling as a healer to ensure each aspect was accurately portrayed.

After a photoshoot and a draft concept, Gwyn began this sensational depiction at around the same time he was asked to be the guest artist at the Rangiora Art Society. While there he was introduced to a couple of women who were organising the annual Pegasus Bay Art Show and they were keen to have him involved in some way. Over a latte and some banter, it was decided that Gwyn complete a portrait over the 3 day show, and raffle the painting to support their fundraiser.

It was an easy choice to select the piece he'd already begun entitled Tohunga Matangaro- The Forager and he was excited to put down the multiple glazes needed to bring Marea to life. Further adding to the divine portrait was a delightful plan to get Marea out to the opening night in full korowhai. The 'double-takes' were incredulous as guests were simply stopped in their tracks, seeing the painting developing, then spying Marea wandering around and making the connection.

We were thrilled the fundraiser raffle was a huge success, and naturally the sublime portrait went over pretty well too!