The Gate Keeper - Framed Original

- Olivia Wirepa

The little rock wren, or pīwauwau, is New Zealand's only alpine bird. It is found in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's south island. It spends most of its time on the ground, hopping and bobbing about in search of food. When the rock wren does fly, it does close to the ground.

The iconic "Lemon Squeezer" hat was designed by William George Malone. Malone was one of New Zealand's well regarded battalion soldiers and commanders who said that his design's inspiration came from the outline of Mt Taranaki. The hat was originally worn by the Taranaki Rifles Regiment, later becoming a part of the uniform for all of the New Zealand Infantry Division on 01 January 1916. Today it still forms a part of the New Zealand Army's ceremonial dress uniform.

This artwork was inspired by a photograph, entitled "The Gatekeeper", taken by photographer Dean Mason. An artistic licence to use Mason's image, for artistic reference, was obtained by Olivia Wirepa aka "livi d".

Medium: Ink & Water Colour Paints

Paper Stock: 300gsm - Fine Art Archival Paper

Framed Dimensions:
Width - 488mm x Height 642mm