From Kākābeak to Kōwhai

I had just finished my Kākābeak scarf when I began thinking about the next challenge.

And then came the Kōwhai.

It was an extraordinary challenge for me.

The kōwhai is one of New Zealand's most beloved native flowers and is often regarded as the country's national flower. Its beautiful golden-yellow blossoms are instantly recognisable and bring a feeling of warmth and joy to the New Zealand landscape.

But for me, the colour yellow carries a much more personal meaning.

Yellow was my mother's favourite colour.

So, as I painted, the colour became more than simply part of the artwork.

It became a memory.

A way of remembering her.
A way of feeling close to her.
A quiet expression of how deeply she loved me — and how deeply I loved her.

With every brushstroke, the kōwhai became something personal.

A flower.
A colour.
A memory.
A love that remains.

Kōwhai by the Sea

After painting the scarf, I wanted to see the real inspiration growing in its natural surroundings.

So, I took a walk along Timaru Beach, where kōwhai trees bring their golden blossoms to the coastline.

It is a beautiful sight.

The trees bring happiness to people walking along the beach — and they bring happiness to the birds too, who come to enjoy the sweet nectar of the kōwhai flowers.

Walking beside the sea, surrounded by yellow blossoms and the sounds of nature, I felt that the scarf had come full circle.

From an idea…
to colour…

to silk…

and finally, back to nature.

This is what painting means to me.

It is not simply about creating something beautiful.

It is about feeling.

Remembering.

Discovering.

And allowing a little piece of life to become art.

I hope you enjoy taking this walk with me along Timaru Beach —

where the kōwhai blooms, the birds gather, and memories become colour.

"Wearing or displaying a piece of GC Art Escape art is like reliving my unforgettable New Zealand adventure. It truly captures the magic."