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Artist Name: Rae West
Compositionally and thematically, Rae West's paintings are complex. Her use of flora, fauna, designs and artefacts native to New Zealand reflects both an aesthetic and personal appreciation and ongoing concern for her environment. One of the most sacred birds to the Maori, the Huia bird, is an essential element in West's work, representing the fagility of the land and it's susceptibility to loss and damage. Complimentary to the Huia is her use of Maori treasures such as the waka and the Maori flute. West renders these in an ethereal way, almost as a warning that our unique culture and heritage has the potential to be irreversibly marred from outside influences. West's use of passionate, rich, deep colour is stunning, and using this colour palette with many layers of paint and glaze, she achieves the desired effect of deep, luscious luminosity in each piece. West embellishes this palette with her use of gold leaf, creating an element of luxury and preciousness about her work, seducing the viewer with the alluring surfaces of the works. Rae West is a full time artist living and working in Canterbury.
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