Raised up Sky - AOTEAROA - 2020

Creative NZ Project update:

The pandemic allowed me to focus on and extend the project of scanning Tāne Mahuta. With the freedom of travel within New Zealand, I was able to collect the photogrammetric data for additional New Zealand trees including the millennium tree, Taketakerau, a 2000 year old Puriri tree in Opotiki and Ratanui, a 1500 year old northern Rata tree near Whanganui.

The extra on-ground time in New Zealand provided the opportunity to undertake more R&D, leading to discoveries and results that would not have otherwise been possible. Part of this success was the development of a radical new way of creating photorealistic point clouds using drone technology.

With the additional material, I was subsequently able to incorporate the New Zealand trees in a documentary showcasing a parallel project scanning trees in the Amazon Rainforest. The documentary was funded through my Amazon project (via the Latin America Centre for Asia-Pacific Excellence), but I was able to utilise the New Zealand material and take this opportunity to profile and discuss the New Zealand project.

This documentary draws on conversations with scientists and indigenous leaders to explore our physical, biological and cultural link to trees. It formed the basis of a 10-stop tour of New Zealand’s major art centres, extending the boundaries of my artistic audience, bringing awareness and exposure to the project. New Zealanders nationwide gathered to experience the augmented reality work in development and watch the documentary following the process.

Scroll below for Artwork Renders and Documentary (please note Documentary does not yet have public release and cannot be shared on public links)

Digital Renders - 2020 - Funded through Creative NZ

Carbon Flux Render 2020 - Funded through Creative NZ

Raised Up Sky - Documentary - 2021 Preview (Funded through LATAM CAPE)

Please note - although this documentary is funded through LATAM CAPE, it gives a great deal of insight into the CNZ funded New Zealand project and an insight into how CNZ funds have been used to develop the next stage of this Artwork. It also serves as an additional way to promote the project and has helped extend the audience and opportunities to extend my artwork and practice here in New Zealand.