sea and sand

memories of a child

                                        Three sisters (2007)

                                        Glazed Raku Clay  50 x 70 x 42cm each

I have often created works in sets of three, is this because I am one of three?

These three shell sculptures are representations of myself and my sisters, and of the many hours we spent wandering along the beach collecting shells with our Mum.  Creating these sculptures directly from our earth mother, Papatuanuku, seems so appropriate. 

Each shell was crafted from the same plaster mould.

They are all the same, and yet they are all different.

Depicting our individual strengths and characteristics, each shell has been adorned with different patterns:

Unaunahi - the fish scales

Kowhaiwhai - the generations

Patikitiki - the flounder

... Whanau, a bond of strength and protection ...