Winters Coming

We (The Moa Unlimited girls) threw together this last minute winter photo shoot on Friday and these are my favourite images. We were shooting at a beautiful spot out west in Titirangi. It poured with rain as though the weather knew we were preparing for the winter to come.

in the blink of an eye

Art by Wert and Fluroo

In the blink of an eye...the world changes

This piece was done in the Christchurch CBD after the first earthquake. I wonder if the piece is still there after the 22nd of February or if it is covered in rubble. 

I asked Fluroo why she decided to write that particular phrase and if it had any thing to do with the earthquake in September. She told me that she got sick of writing her name over and over again. She said it was meaningless. This phrase was alluding to the earthquake but also trying to tell us that wonderful things can happen in a blink of an eye too. We need to be positive in these uncertain times. Her letters were awfully cheerful!  

Christchurch

abandoned and decorated

photos by wert

life in numbers

photo by Misha

This fortnight in numbers:

I...

started at two different Universities

got caught up in two natural disasters

moved cities two times

missed two flights back to Auckland

unpacked and packed eight times

baked two cakes 

missed one lecture

received two major assignments

learnt about hundreds of new artists

discovered one new shop

did one photo shoot

learnt five new tricks on photoshop

Insignificance

I moved to Christchurch to study Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury on the 19th of February. I was living into the Ilam apartments and my room is on the third floor. I was all by myself in my room when the quake hit us violently. I am glad my building didn't fall down like so many did in the CBD.

When a natural disaster hits, regardless of human existence, it makes me feel insignificant in the scheme of things.

Nature is such a powerful force and with so many reports of natural disasters occurring in many different parts of the world it makes me wonder what the future holds.

I give my deepest condolences to those who have lost family and friends in this devastating event. I hope that people can one day return to their homes and feel safe again.

Lots of love

nikaugabrielle




   

Hangi

I went up north to my dads house and he put down a hangi for me. A hangi is probably a weird concept for most non-kiwis. Essentially a hangi is an oven...in the ground. Its pretty simple; you dig a hole, chuck some rocks in, light a fire. The fire falls into the hole, heats the rocks and in goes the food. Cover with...earth and leave for an hour or so.

collecting volcanic rocks

meat and banana leaves 

pumpkin in muslin

Rawene bread

taking out the ash and returning the hot rocks

hot rocks

the feast

ally

What makes a hangi special is not just the incredible food but the people you bring together. A hangi makes an event significant but the thing you remember is not the taste of the food but the company, the laughter and the love that surrounds this special occasion.

Country Life

driveway

church

sitting

reflection and butterflies

little brother

I am from the wild north. It's a huge contrast from the city. I like it. Time is slow. Needs are minimal. Stress is low. Food is good. Family is near. Company is crucial. Air is clear.  

New Addition to the Family

At first he was timid 

and he just want to play

His name is Tiki and we rescued him. He is a gypsy cat because he has come travelled all over Northland with us. Every morning I wake up to little claws prodding my hand. Then he jumps under neath the covers and plays with my pjs. Play with me!