From a photo of Dad canoeing. North-West Nelson, or West coast of South Island, 1970s

2009-2010

oil on canvas

1200 x 1200 mm

SOLD ($3,980) 

If the river was whiskey and I was a duck

I'd dive to the bottom and I'd never come up

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If the river was whiskey and the branch was wine

You'd see me in swimming just any ole time

Taj Mahal, If the River Was Whiskey/Charlie Poole, 1930, © Columbia Records

Dad’s ecology came from the wonder of being in special places. And a thirst for understanding of the systems and histories at work in these landscapes. The first connection I remember to the West Coast rivers with Dad is being shown the tannins in the water. The tea or whiskey-like amber fluid rich in nutrient and mauri from gently steeping in leaves and forest litter on its journey through pristine watersheds to the sea.

…Then we saw the man from across the road

With the sunshine in his eyes

Well he lived all alone in his own little home

With a great big gallon jar

There were bottles too, one for me and you

And he said hey! there you are

Oh, the water, Oh, the water, Oh, the water

Get it myself from the mountain stream

And it stoned me to my soul

Stoned me just like goin’ home

And it stoned me…

It Stoned Me, Van Morrison, 1970, © Warner Bros.