Moirai Studio/Gallery

Kia Ora, Welcome!

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The Moirai Gallery viewing/sales room

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You will be warmly welcomed when you visit the exclusive Moirai Studio/Gallery, northern gateway to the magnificent Waipoua Kauri Forest, on State Highway 12, 4 kms to Tane Mahuta, near the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our original artworks are available for viewing/sales, in our private working studio set in spectacular bush surroundings, either by appointment or when you see the Open sign.

If you have already visited our studio and would like to be included on our email list for the Moirai Newsletter, featuring gallery news, upcoming events, latest artworks and more,
email us ( moirai@xtra.co.nz) ... We look forward to hearing from you!

At Moirai we honour our position in Tane's Garden, and live a peaceful, holistic way of life in harmony and balance.

Visiting Waipoua Kauri Forest?

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If so please allow time to stop as we are proud to advise that a good selection of our original Art work can be viewed and purchased at Katui Kauri Gum Store, S.H. 12, on the southern side of the Waipoua Kauri Forest. This is also a wonderful opportunity to view kauri wood craft and the precious kauri gum from the ancient giants. Further north, the unique Labyrinth Woodworks & Maze, in the Waiotemarama Gorge, also has a selection of Moirai Studio paintings and artcards. The Hokianga i-site, Opononi sells a range of our artcards, and has on display our Hokianga painting: 'Te Puna i te ao Marama - the Spring of the World of Light', honouring the words of Kupe, and this unique region.

The now famous Hokianga Heart Trail (Te Ara Manawa) promotes local artists and artisans whom you may visit on your tour of the Hokianga area. The Moirai Studio/Gallery situated near the northern entrance of the Waipoua Kauri Forest is a 'must see'. The Heart Trail brochure is available from Information Centres.

For a unique private accomodation experience in the Hokianga, we recommend the Waiotemarama Falls Lodge, near Opononi (www.waiotemaramafalls.com ) where several of our paintings are also on display!

Original Art Cards for sale now!

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A limited number of Moirai Studio Original Art PostCards featuring images of our paintings, shown in the montage above and individually below, are now available.

These are high quality Post-card style also suitable for framing. Each colourful card comes with its own quality cream envelope.

The price for each individual Art Card is only $5 plus postage!

Please email moirai@xtra.co.nz for further enquiries and to place your order (which will be dispatched promptly).

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Each unique artwork produced at the Moirai Studio comes with its own written comment from the artist. Descriptive and poetic, the brief statement gives further insight into the work from the artists perspective. These are printed on the reverse side of most of our cards.

Art PostCards available now!

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Please click on cards above to enlarge.
All images are copyright of Moirai Studio/Gallery

Our Colourful Greeting Cards are available ~ Order by email!

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Exciting news from the Moirai Studio... we proudly announce the release of our unique colourful art greeting cards! {Eight of which are shown above -click on image above to enlarge}

These are folded A5 size ( 104 x 148 mm), blank inside, with the title and artists' poetic -descriptive statement on reverse.

As for our art postcards, each card features an image of one of our original paintings, and comes with a quality envelope. They make fantastic gifts or momentos of your visit to the Waipoua Kauri Forest (home of Tane Mahuta) and the Hokianga! All of the cards also look great when framed, and are, in essence, 'mini original art prints'.

All of our range of cards are available now ($5 each plus postage) by visiting us at Moirai Studio/Gallery, or simply email to order moirai@xtra.co.nz It's easy!

New additions to the Moirai card range shown above, top: 'Churches of the South Hokianga' and 'Headland' (both postcards); below from left to right: 'Ngahere', 'The Gift' and 'Te Puna i te ao Marama - the spring of the world of light' (A5 greeting cards)...

* * * *

Moirai Artist Profiles:

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DIANE ROSE YANAKOPULOS

I have been painting, writing and creating since childhood. I live my Art as an everyday way of life.

Born in the outback of Western Australia, my earliest memories were of freedom, vast open spaces of hot sunbaked earth and the sounds of nature that broke the isolated silence.

Much time was spent in solitude and observation, and as such, I choose to allow Nature and her spirituality to weave these feelings into my art. The South Australian Art Gallery was always a favourite source of wonder and inspiration, with so many great painters to aspire to.

Freedom of creative expression is important to me which has allowed for spontenaeity and a wide range of works over many years which are in various locations internationally and New Zealand.

Easter 2007 I had a solo exhibition at Village Arts Kohukohu, infamously titled, 'Relinquishing Control'. This was a personal journey.

The Moirai Studio/Gallery is the result of a long held dream now brought to fruition. Painting alongside Seabourne is both an honour and more than a little bit of magic!

Bizarre

Calypso

Arctic Ice

Venetian Nights

I am also creating a range of exclusive handmade 'Forest Jewells', featuring unique earrings which combine vintage beads into these beautiful accessories.( Email enquiries/orders are welcomed for these one off designs.)

Moirai ~ from Greek mythology ~ means the Spinner, Weaver and the Cutter of the threads of Destiny.............. We have no doubt that The Moirai have spoken......................

Whatever your taste, you just may find it here!

SEABOURNE RUST

I am an artist, writer and paleontologist, my paintings weave together a love of nature, ecology, history and spirituality. Each unique work is produced 'from the heart', and attempts to convey colour, beauty, and deeper layers of personal meaning.

I have drawn since a child, and have exhibited here and there over the years. I chose not to undertake formal art school training, preferring instead to seek out and develop my own pathway(s) of creative expression. However some artistic influences include Van Gogh, N. Roerich, R. T. Wood, R. Hamon, J. Chaffey, H. Rust and D. R. Yanakopulos, as well as my experience of life in Aotearoa.
I have travelled widely in NZ, and have lived in Dunedin/Coastal Otago, Kaikoura, Paekakariki , and Auckland, before heading north to put down roots at Moirai, Waipoua Forest. Here, alongside Diane, my work continues to flourish, with a variety of themes being explored, from native forest scenes and landscapes to historic churches...

Currently I am literally 'drawing on my background in geology' by exploring the use of earth pigments - making my own natural paints sourced from local soils and clays for the 'Works of eARTh' series:

Since the earliest periods of pictorial creative expression, artists have explored the use of naturally-occurring pigments, in particular those derived from crushed soils and mineral oxides, ash and plant extracts. Of those substances derived from the ground, the use of such pigments as paint (when combined with natural oils) to create coloured artworks reinforces, and enhances, the connection between artist and the Earth itself, the source of all around us. Northland is a wonderful hunting ground for earth pigments! In particular the Hokianga area, with the combination of complex geology and high rainfall contributing to a variety of rich-coloured, severly weathered rocks and derived clay soils ideal for paint-making.

Artists in action!

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Village Arts Easter 2007 Solo exhibition "Relinguishing Control"

On location, Waipoua Kauri Forest Hokianga

A few images of the Moirai artists :

at work and 'on location' ...

...and more from Moirai !

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Diverse new works in progress at Moirai Studio: portraits of historic figures...

...old country churches, native forest scenes... and more to complement our extensive range!!

If you are not able to visit our gallery or exhibitions, but would like to discuss viewing or purchasing our original artworks, please contact us! e-mail: moirai@xtra.co.nz

MOIRAI ART COMMISSIONS

We have completed a number of successful commissioned paintings and welcome your enquiries about ordering your own personalised artwork (which will include photos of the work in progress and artist statements).

Below are photos of prominent New Zealand/International business person Mr. James Martin receiving his commissioned artworks for his home and business premises. Mr. Martin has given his permission to use these photos, with his blessings and recommendation as to our presentation, integrity and quality of our works personalized for him.

Waterfall Deva ~

by Diane

incorporating the energy and chi essence of waterfalls..

St. Mary's Church ~

by Seabourne

conveying a sense of the spiritual with its many crosses and open gateway..

Dont hesitate to email us with your ideas for a commissioned painting! We have experience in creating personalised artworks with a touch of magic! Your input on the subject and size of the work can be incorporated, and we will keep you informed of progress!

PURUA SCHOOL COMES TO VISIT! April 2011

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Purua School, Northland, organized a visit to the Moirai Studio as part of their children's holiday camp experience. Visiting the Waipoua Kauri Forest was part of their schedule and with the Moirai Studio just nearby, it was an opportunity to incorporate creative art learning as well.

Our brief was for the children to meet real artists and to encourage a spontaneous art class in our studio.
We were delighted as the children asked so many questions relating to our techniques and details within our paintings with a genuine interest. This then enthused them to concentrate on their own wonderful drawings which were so individual and with so much care and talent!!!

So well behaved, so interested in all we had to show and share with our paintings and stories.
Well done Alex, Jessica, Nova, Jacob, Maris, Angus, Sophie, Emma, Zeth and Andrei ~ we enjoyed your visit very much and hope to see you back here again, one day! Thanks to Purua School, Mrs. Moselen, and other adults whom accompanied the children.
You can all feel proud of yourselves ~ and may you always retain your love of nature and art!

"Aesthetic Diversity" ~ Seabourne and Diane's Online Exhibition

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Here we present selected 'hit pics' - artworks for sale from the Moirai Studio/Gallery and other venues. We welcome expressions of interest in purchasing any of these original works.

Seabourne's : "Koutu Korero", an acrylic on quality canvas, primed and sealed, measuring 30 X 90 cm. Koutu from the locality on the Hokianga Harbour, Korero maori for 'talk'...

Artists statement: "…a scene witnessed one morning at Koutu Point, Hokianga harbour. Here a group of pied shags sat on the remnants of the old jetty (site of an early kauri mill), resting, sunning themselves and sharing an unspoken korero. Beyond Pakanae and the sacred pa Whiria, the forested hills of Waiotemarama watch over…"

"High in the Treetops" by Diane is a bold, colourful acrylic on quality primed canvas measures 76 x 61 cm and features a cabbage tree with an abundance of fruit splaying over the trunk of an ancient kauri.

Artists statement: ..."if you are lucky, you may be treated to a beautiful sight such as the native kereru (wood pidgeon) contentedly feeding upon forest fruits and berries. Minding his own business, these gourmet delights take first priority".
This work is currently on display at Waiotemarama Falls Lodge, Opononi.

"Headland" by Diane... yet another of her works which depicts surreal imagery incorporating the dune headland north of the Waimamaku river mouth at KaiKai Beach. Careful reflection upon this acrylic painting 76 x 38 cms will enable the viewer to capture the yearning of this headland maiden and her companions.
'Headland' is now available as an art postcard, along with numerous other intruiging works from the Moirai Studio/Gallery.

"Towards Kawerua" acrylic on canvas approx 30 x 15 cms shows a sweeping view from the Katui hills where a steep road winds its way down towards the Tasman Sea. This work by Seabourne has now sold.

"Abstraction" an acrylic on 90 x 60 stretched canvas by Diane has a visual impact with its gold sheen reflecting with the movement of light.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these paintings and would like to know more, please email us at moirai@xtra.co.nz
Packaging and freight options can be arranged.

Report on 'Treasures of the Kauri Coast' exhibition!

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During our successful exhibition held at the Funky Fish, 34 Seaview Road, Bayly's Beach, Dargaville, Northland ~ 24th February to 20th April 2009, over 25 of our original paintings adorned the walls of the Funky Fish, each with a written artist's comment (statement).

Spirit of the Forest exhibition! Nov 09- Jan 2010

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... During Dec. 2009 - February 2010, an exhibition was held of our original paintings - inspired by the magical atmosphere, environment and visionary stories of the Waipoua Kauri Forest, which surrounds our studio.

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The Spirit of the Sun

Summer Art exhibition December 2010 ~ January 2011 at the Funky Fish, Baylys Beach,

we proudly presented an exhibition featuring myth, legend, sacred text and more...

revered through time, the ancient voice of te rā (the sun) resonates with warmth and light that touches our heart and replenishes our soul.

'Solar Power' by Seabourne (Acrylic with reflective disc on canvas)

Seabourne:“This artwork is one of a series drawing inspiration from the energy of the Sun, which is central to our daily lives - as well as the greater solar system, and has symbolically represented the divine in many cultures. The text here is influenced by the gayatri mantra, whereby the sun equals light, which equals knowledge, which equals consciousness...

'The Sun Catcher' by Diane (acrylic on canvas)

"Diane ...landscape inspired mythological figures capturing and harnessing the sun’s energy...”

Summer Solstice, Maunganui Bluff

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Pearls of wisdom are found in special places when working in harmony with nature, and each other ... rare moments, time for reflection and contemplation, on the artists journey.

On Sacred Pathways we grow...

Thank you for visiting our site.

Diane and Seabourne 2011

Matariki Exhibition 2010

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MATARIKI ~ Divine Timing

The month of June is a very special time for many people with not only Winter Solstice to be celebrated, but there is a growing sense of anticipation , as eyes gaze towards the dawn east sky, to see when Matariki / Pleiades will once again be visible and officially acknowledge the beginning of the Maori New Year. This time of the year has traditionally held great signifigance, as it has the ability to guide us both physically and spiritually, as a navigational gift, whether in myth, legend or fact.
The patient waiting for the turning point of the Light, the dawn of new hope, all in all, without any doubt: Matariki ~ Divine Timing we welcome your return, which once again refreshes us for another cycle of new beginnings.
At Moirai Studio, we honour these traditions and presented a special exhibition in June which was featured in the Scene Magazine, Whangarei, and the Kaipara Lifestyler.