Maka te Kupenga - Rimu

 Maka te Kupenga - Rimu  | Shannon Turuwhenua

The title, Maka te Kupenga (to cast the net), refers to the traditional methods of gathering and the sustenance provided by the sea, serving as a powerful metaphor for the collection of knowledge and the strength of community.

The piece features a sweeping, curved form that echoes the silhouette of a net being cast into the tide. This organic shape is punctuated by a series of precise, hand-lashed perforations along the upper edge, creating a rhythmic interplay between the warm, figured grain of the timber and the structural black cord.

Masterfully finished to highlight the unique character of the rimu, this original work is a modern tribute to the ancestral technologies of Aotearoa.

It stands as a testament to the balance of utility and beauty, perfect for a space that values deep cultural narrative and refined New Zealand artistry.