For the past three years, my paintbrush has been a paddle. Cliff Whiting said, "Artistic excellence is a person's dignity," and through my paddling adventures, I've come to understand the truth behind his words. Art comes in many shapes and forms, and for me, it is found in the rhythmic strokes of my paddle as I navigate through life's waters.
As I searched through my images of pictures that shined a light on the things I was good at or that gave some clue to my artistic excellence, I realised that the true beauty is in the photos of great memories from our many road trips across the country. Each experience on the water has become a canvas of its own, capturing a memory of that moment and the aroha shared with the team.
Beyond the rich landscapes of our Aotearoa coast and the deep blue waters, my paddle has served as a tool for creating friendships that have bloomed into a sisterhood. This kind of winning is on another level, with our waka campaigns all over the country providing me with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. I have come to appreciate the waka (canoe or boat) and the discipline it demands. Paddling requires dedication, focus, and harmony with the water, mirroring the commitment and focus required to navigate the currents of life. Through this discipline, I have discovered a different perspective of artistic expression that goes beyond traditional notions of art.
