Anna Scott, Piwakawaka in Flight

Pīwakawaka in Flight

By Anna Scott

Pīwakawaka in Flight captures the playful, light-footed energy of one of Aotearoa’s most loved native birds. Drawn in sealed pencil on ply timber and framed to elevate the natural warmth of the wood, this artwork follows a group of pīwakawaka as they dart through gentle wind currents at dusk.

Known for their quick, darting movements and cheeky presence in the ngahere, the pīwakawaka brings a lively joy wherever it appears. In this composition, Anna honours that spirited nature — tracing each flick of wing and shift of direction to create a sense of movement that feels as though it continues beyond the frame.

The flowing grain of the timber enhances this sense of motion, echoing the soft air currents the birds navigate with ease. Together, the birds and the wood create a gentle dance across the surface, capturing a fleeting moment of harmony between creature and landscape.

Pīwakawaka in Flight invites viewers to pause and appreciate the small wonders that animate our natural world — the quick flutter of a tail, the tilt of a wing, the quiet companionship of birds that are never far from view.

Media: Sealed pencil on ply timber, framed
Dimensions: 1200 × 600 mm
Series: In the Grain
Artist: Anna Scott – Taranaki, Aotearoa