The Story Behind the Painting

Fanlight Fantasia – Pīwakawaka's Perch

The inspiration for Fanlight Fantasia – Pīwakawaka's Perch comes from a simple, everyday moment in my home. Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantails) are frequent visitors to my garden, flitting and dancing through the air with their playful energy and curious nature. Each time I pass the decorative vase that sits on my piano, I'm reminded of their beautifully fanned tails. The pattern and shape seem to echo the elegance of a fantail in full display.

In this painting, I brought those two inspirations together, imagining the Pīwakawaka making the vase its perch. The artwork celebrates the connection between nature and home, where ordinary objects can spark memories of the wildlife that surrounds us. Full of movement, charm, and personality, the Pīwakawaka reminds us to pause, observe, and find beauty in the small moments that brighten our daily lives.

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I welcome commission enquiries for works inspired by New Zealand

Native Birds.