Images of Rotokura/Cable Bay, Nelson, Aotearoa/New Zealand

July 21, 2020

I lived in Nelson for a number of years, until January this year. The city straddles the coast surrounded by hills and mountains. It is hot enough in summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches but sufficiently cold in winter to experience frosts. I loved to draw the hills and the mountains, the sky and the sea. Snow on the mountains in winter and moody skies were particularly inspiring.

Rotokura/Cable Bay is a very beautiful and spiritual place close to Nelson city. My friend and I have spent many hours observing and drawing the estuary, movements of the tide, changing light, the hills, and the trees – in all seasons and weathers. This place inspired a series of artworks. Looking back now at my Nelson drawings I notice their essential lightness, the blues and the light ochre colours, and always the interactions of water, earth and sky. The hills and mountains are ever present and powerful.