Charlene Scott: Listening to the Land Through Art
My work is a form of silent activism. It is a plea for greater reverence for our Great Mother, Papatūānuku. I believe that many of the challenges we face today stem from our loss of connection with the natural world around us – our lack of gratitude, reverence, awe, and respect for the whenua that sustains us.
Art has been my calling for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I was told by well-meaning parents that it was not a valid career path. For many years, I drifted in and out of various careers before finally returning to art about ten years ago.
At the time, I was living in Queenstown. Eight years ago, I moved to the Coromandel, drawn by the beaches, proximity to whānau, and its vibrant arts community. My creative practice evolved from painting to pottery when I began questioning the environmental impact of my painting materials. While searching for more natural artistic mediums, I attended a workshop with local potter Kay Ogilvie and realised I had found the answer I had been looking for. You cannot get much more natural than working with the earth itself.
I love the feel of clay in my hands and the innate life it seems to possess, sometimes evolving into something quite different from what I originally intended. Over time, my work has shifted from fairly realistic forms to more symbolic expressions. I have always been enamoured with the female form, which remains the foundation of much of my art. This naturally aligns with my reverence for Papatūānuku and the life she sustains.
My work is often inspired by myth, folklore, goddesses, archetypes, and divine feminine symbolism. A strong fertility theme also runs through much of my work, reflecting not only my own journey into motherhood but also the life-giving power of women and of Papatūānuku herself.
Often, I create a piece and only much later – sometimes years afterwards – come to understand its deeper meaning and symbolism. Just over three years ago, my greatest creation was born: my daughter.
My art took a temporary back seat while I soaked up every precious moment I could. In recent months, we have both become a little more independent, and I have been able to spend more time in the studio again, bringing fresh perspectives and experiences into my creative practice.
In recent years, I have also felt a strong pull to reconnect with my roots. This has involved learning not only the stories of the whenua of Aotearoa, where I was born and call home, but also exploring the histories and traditions of my ancestors in the United Kingdom. These explorations are increasingly influencing both my current work and the direction of future projects.
My current work explores the intersection of the feminine and the animal world, generally manifesting as bird and serpent hybrids.
These creatures carry rich layers of meaning across many cultures and myths.
I am deeply grateful to all those who support my work. Following my calling as an artist is not an easy path, and I would not be able to continue if it were not for you.
If you would like to experience my work, I will be participating in this year’s 20th Anniversary Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour.
Please come and have a chat.
Alternatively, you can contact me and view more of my work through my website: www.divineearth.co.nz
Words by Charlene Scott
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
Help us take Coromind Magazine to new heights by becoming a member. Click here
Change the Weather for Your Business: Advertise with Us.
Advertise your business in the whole Hauraki Coromandel in the coolest Coromandel Art Magazine, from Waihi Beach/Paeroa /Thames up to the Great Barrier Island.
Advertise Smarter, Not Harder: Get in Touch
