Draw closer to the fire
Behind the scenes, there are stories to tell...
Opening - 2025
Kia ora, and welcome to my online store. I'm Keri, the artist behind the flaming fingernail. This is a space where I'll share my wonderings, or the intention behind an artwork. Completely optional of course; run away now if you don't have the capacity for thinky stuff! I can't see you!
I fancy myself a writer sometimes. So I'm leaping at the opportunity to build this space, over time, into something more. I hope you'll find something to inspire you here.
Thanks for stopping by!
P.S. I am still figuring out shipping costs. If you are nearby and would like to collect your items, flick me a message via the contact form and we'll see if we can organise something. If you are purchasing multiple items, I will combine them, rather than posting them separately, to keep costs down. :)
The garden of Eden
I like to think of the mind as a garden. The ideas I cultivate can grow into something tangible - a painting, a poem or even a blog post, for example. This painting is an expression of the creative mind - overflowing with ideas; unruly, magical and wild! If I want to bring forth fruit, I need to make space for an idea to grow. An abundant garden is great, but it takes practice and dedication to grow your wildest dreams (and weed out the nightmares!) My mental garden is definitely a work in progress. I'm still taking the axe to some colossal trees (inherited and self-seeded...), but what worthy work! In my youth I was oblivious to the concept that I could create my world as I want it to be. I wish I'd understood it earlier. But I'll take this moment, where I still have the power to create, and do my best to cultivate my own true garden of Eden.
Kaituna, Pakipaki, Parawhenuamea
These three are awa (rivers/streams) that I grew up in and around. They each have their own personality. Kaituna, a nurturing mother, provides kai and shelter from the heat. She is powerful and not to be underestimated. She can move you out if you don't respect her!
Pakipaki, mythical and magical. She will bathe your wounds, cleanse your body and bless your spirit. But look out if she gets in your ear! She can make you regret your time with her...
And lying low in the swampland, Parawhenuamea. Full of mystery and highly emotional, she will flood the land with her tears. Mischievous as well. Take a walk alongside her on a quiet, blue-sky day. Leap in fright as she throws a pheasant your way. She has many eyes watching and a wicked grin that you can't see, but you can definitely feel. You may have the urge to run...
What a privilege to grow up under the watchful eyes of these kuia.
