I’m in Auckland for the night performing live with composer and sound artist Leah Barclay as part of the ACMC sonic art concert being held at the Auckland University music school – gosh that was a mouthful!! So we’ve had our rehearsal and I thought I would paint my rock and post before we head […]

I watched a documentary today – a pilgrimage that our whanaunga from Pakakohi and Ngāti Ruanui in Taranaki took to Ōtākou. It was a pilgrimage to remember those ancestors who died while imprisoned for fighting against land confiscations by the crown. I was moved to tears and as I listened to the names of those […]

You know when you’re out somewhere, maybe at an exhibition opening or at a hui and you meet someone you have never met before, do you ask them, “Who are you?” or do you say, “What do you do?” Often I will ask, “Where you from?” as a way of making a connection with the […]

Mate atu he tētēkura, hara mai he tētēkura. As one fern frond dies, another arises to take its place. I cried big tears today. It was great! Sometimes things happen that prompt us to face what it is that we need to face in order to release it and allow healing to take place. Sometimes […]

I’ve had three people in the last couple of days say to me that the rocks I have painted for them (one over 12 years ago!) have pride of place in their home… I am so grateful that people appreciate these kohatu – as the word “kohatu” says, they are special gifts! And they are […]

I love stretching… I listen to my body and find places where stress is stored, then breathing in to exhale again, I let go… allowing the energy to flow again… Its amazing how your body responds when you listen… giving your attention for just a few moments can bring great healing and release… Arohanui, Jo […]