Pihanga collection
The legend of Pihanga is a childhood story of friendship, that then evolves into a story of competition, volcanic drama and rivalry between the suitors that she had grown up with from a young age. There are many versions of this narrative through the different Maori tribes. However in each story her cloak of ferns was scorched by the flames of the fierce battle - wounded she cried out to stop the fighting, save her own life and that of her friends that she loved equally. Taranaki saw her suffering and conceded defeat to Tongariro, carving the Whanganui river as his path of retreat, that was then filled with tears. The other suitors fled before the sun rose when they were fixed in their positions. Love will move mountains they say, in this legend, it really did.
I was able to explore Pihanga when I was young, climbing through bracken & scrub over her volcanic soil and rock. I discovered that Pihanga is covered again with ferns. Pihanga is a strong character, challenging and resilient. Her strength helped her survive the battles she witnessed. Her understanding of her own limits, as well as how to protect those she loved kept them alive too. Her children still nestle around her - snow, wind and rain.
Pihanga is the inspiration behind this collection. There is the green of the ferns, the black of the volcanic soil, the strength of the rock, and the gloss of tears of the suffering she has witnessed, yet the hope of regeneration.
Our acknowledgement to Pihanga uses black clay, and a green gloss glaze that is iridescent and catches the light. Some items use a mottled blue glazes inside that are a reflection of Lake Taupo rivers and springs that run across her feet. The black raw fired clay on the outside is a honed and tactile reminder that we are burnished through our life experiences.
