Tihei Mauri Ora captures the Māori concept of Whakapapa, about family bonds, unity and living with purpose and confidence.
The painting elements:
Koru
The 2 Fronds of the Koru represent 2 concepts:
The first concept is that of growth, rejuvenation and connection through time and space; and
The second concept is the journey of Jons Ngati Tama ancestors from Taranaki New Zealand, down the west coast of Wellington (represented by the right Frond), then across Cook Strait, into Golden Bay (Onetahua), where they established their ancestral home (represented by the left Frond)
Carvings
The carvings over Jons left shoulder are the gods Papatuanuku or Earth Mother (left) and Ranginui or Sky Father (right). These gods connect and watch over Jon, his family and ancestors through time. The carvings were taken from the Tekoteko (at the architectural apex of Jons ancestral meeting house: Onetahua Marae) and were originally carved by famous Māori carver John Mutu.
Never ending waves
The horizontal lines through the painting are the never ending waves which eminate from Jons Ngati Tama ancestors, and carry and deliver the values of love, wisdom and strength. This process is described in the Poem of the Painting:
"Yesterdays waves, Echo ancestral heartbeat, On the shore, Of tomorrows dreams."
Wairua
Over Jons right shoulder is his wairua. This is his soul, his life force, his alter ego, his subconscious, his non-physical being. The wairua processes and responds to Jons world, it connects with Jons ancestors, giving him purpose, direction and confidence.
Jon
Jon is depicted standing “on the shore of tomorrows dreams” (as we all do), and in this moment of stillness & quiet contemplation ancestral wave gently roll through as steady rhythmic heartbeats arriving through time and space delivering ancestral gifts. This is our concept of whakapapa, the purpose of family, the essence of life – Tihei Mauri Ora!
Collectively the painting is a tribute to family honouring whakapapa, wairua and life; a tribute to Jons family.
