The New Zealand Morepork (Ruru) is a small, compact, dark-brown owl. Its striking yellow to yellowish-green eyes are set into two facial disks either side of a small sharply hooked bill. The back feathers are dark-brown spotted sparsely with off-white. The breast is dark-brown variably streaked with cream and brown through to rufous. The legs are feathered legs down to the yellow feet.
In Māori tradition, the Ruru was known as a watchful guardian. As a bird of the night, it was associated with the spirit world. Its high, piercing call signified bad news, such as death, but the more common 'Ruru' call signalled good news. Several sayings (whakataukī ) refer to the birds' alertness.
It is also magical and very sought after
Helen exhibited a very similar painting at her exhibition in Zealandia where it sold to a couple from France on their honeymoon. A Wellington woman who had seen it at the exhibition contacted Helen later and was disappointed it had sold. Helen then offered to create a similar one on commission.
This is Ruru V2, yet to be named and currently under construction. We will post more images of this art piece as Helen creates this beautiful bird.
Do you have a name for this Magical Morepork?
About Helen
Helen grew up in Breaker Bay, which she says was amazing for a child obsessed with creatures of all kinds, from birds to bugs to fish, she picked up a pencil and began drawing them. Dreaming of being an artist, Helen graduated from Wellington School of Design in 1992. After many years as an illustrator Helen turned her focus to being an artist.
“My intricately detailed wildlife art is influenced by my time as a scientific illustrator at Te Papa, and my own traditional Celtic visual culture.” - Helen
View more of Helen’s artwork here
http://helencasey.co.nz/
Helen Casey is a member of the newly formed Content Collective a group of Kiwi Creatives working in a collective marketing environment. Find out more about the Collective via this website. https://www.contentcollective.live/
Article co-written and promoted by Tony Cutting
Tony Cutting Digital