THE KINGFISHERS PEACE – A creation treasure

THE STORY

The Sacred Kingfisher is one of New Zealand’s most familiar birds, made famous by Geoff Moon’s photography and its frequent presence along wetlands, rivers, streams, and farmland. His early images captured the birds’ foraging skills and the growth of chicks in their nests. Kingfishers peace birds flight

We often recognise the kingfisher’s crouched silhouette on power lines or high perches, waiting for the right moment before flashing into a green streak that dives for prey. I once counted around ten birds near our town bridge and later found their nest sites in the clay banks upriver.

The two birds in this image were photographed beside my studio on the Mahurangi River, Warkworth. In 2018, one even flew into my studio by accident, stunning itself against the window—an unexpected moment I recorded with camera and words. That little visitor now appears on my ‘Tiritiri Matangi Island’. painting, a reminder of the wonder woven into God’s creation.

The Kingfisher’s story

Kingfishers live in a wide range of habitats across New Zealand. They rely on elevated perches for hunting, earth banks or sturdy trees for nesting, and open or semi-open areas rich in prey. Known by many names—kōtare, kotare, New Zealand kingfisher, green kingfisher, tree kingfisher, and sacred kingfisher—the species found here is the subspecies vagans.

The Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) is a medium-sized woodland bird seen in mangroves, forests, woodlands, and river valleys throughout New Zealand (also known by the Māori name kōtare), Australia, and the western Pacific. In several Polynesian cultures (the local subspecies of collared kingfishers), kingfishers were once considered sacred, believed to hold power over the waves and the ocean.

In truth, the kingfisher is simply a remarkably designed creature: iridescent in colour, patient in posture, and swift in its strike—a reminder of the quiet beauty found in creation.

The allegory

I added the greenstone carving to the painting as a creative metaphor—another layer of symbolic language hidden within the artwork. Kingfishers themselves carry a depth of knowledge far beyond our understanding: an inner world shaped by intricate biology and engineering, and an outer world of beauty, precision, and alert awareness. All of it reflects God’s creative imagination.

As I meditate on the kingfisher’s wonder, I see parallels to the beauty within humanity. The painted greenstone pendant sits beside the birds as a symbol of that mystery—hinting at the extraordinary design woven into both creation and the human spirit.

My use of the artisans’ greenstone

It’s remarkable how our creative imagination can shape a story from anything we see. Here, I used a greenstone pendant to spark an imagined indigenous story. Beyond culture, colour, religion, or politics, when creativity flows from a pure heart, the craftsman’s work becomes a metaphor for life.

This pendant speaks of peace, wisdom, and counsel—heaven’s gifts that bring meaning and rest when we discover them. As understanding grows, God’s peace settles the heart and awakens a hunger for deeper truth about our purpose and creativity.

I chose the greenstone to represent eternal life and the wisdom found in eternal truths. The spiral at its centre—like an embryo growing outward—symbolises our life’s continual journey, a hint of perpetual motion. Finding this symbol felt like discovering a precious jewel. Kingfishers peace birds flight

Some keys to understanding

If you, like me, ever wonder why we misuse our creative freedom, go straight to the Manufacturer. God is willing to show us the reasons and offer the remedies as we create under His guidance. He doesn’t guess or form opinions—He speaks truth and cannot lie. His wisdom is available to anyone, but if we remain stubborn or proud, we will never win the battles we long to overcome.

Many have discovered His secrets in the beginnings of life, the rhythm of the seasons, and the patterns of preservation and creativity. The kingfisher and human craftsmanship are both marvels shaped by the Manufacturer’s wisdom, reflecting the mystery woven into daily life.

You can find this wisdom in Scripture. I recommend beginning with Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the life-giving revelation recorded by John.

The Indigenous Influence Art disclaimer

My attempts to study, paint, and respectfully explore Indigenous art are, at best, humble and naive. I would never knowingly disrespect people I hold in deep regard. Studying at my own pace, I seek to honour their creativity while blending it with my Western photorealist approach.

As an Australian living in New Zealand, I am grateful to the Indigenous people (first peoples) whose stories, music, dance, and art bring joy and inspiration. From storytelling in didgeridoos to jade gongs, their cultural expressions are a treasure.

Through this journey, I continue to learn and build understanding—bridging my own culture with theirs while carrying deep respect, gratitude, and curiosity.

My Godly inheritance

Part of my divine heritage inspires me to look forward to experiencing Aboriginal offerings in heaven, free from fear, hatred, prejudice, or insult. God will reveal the goodness in all cultures, showing their wonder without superstition or bias.

Some have questioned my use of Indigenous influences in art, claiming it is disrespectful. I believe my art is equally sacred, as I have the freedom to explore creativity while honouring God. I aim to celebrate all art forms, drawing inspiration wherever it arises, and giving glory to Him for our diversity.

We are called to love one another truthfully, appreciating each other’s cultures and stories. Racial arrogance and competition help no one—regardless of colour.

STATUS and MATERIALS

ORIGINAL FOR SALE  * 1220 x 640 x 40 (48″x 25″x1.5″)
Painted with professional oils on the fine weave, gesso-primed cotton canvas for long life. The canvas is stretched on New Zealand pine protected with brushed dammar varnish and framed by the great team at Orewa Framing Studios.
* Originals and Limited Edition reproductions are supplied with Provenance, coded Authentication of Sale Certificate, and maintenance/care information.

25 LIMITED EDITION “ACRYLIC ENHANCED” FRAMED CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS
Please ask about the price and sizes on stretch-mounted, 12 colour, giclee-printed, archival UV-treated canvas.
A master acrylic artist recreates the original painting over a digital print and uses hand-painted brushstrokes to replicate the original painting.

50 LIMITED EDITION CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS * 
Stretch mounted, unframed sizes | 1500 x 650 – $1250  | 1000 x 435 – $960  |  750 x 325 – $650
* 12 colour Giglee-printed on 310gsm Aqueoarchival canvas or fine art archival paper. Protected with 2 coats of Museum Graded Timeless UV varnish.

OPEN EDITION POSTER ART PRINTS * 
Unframed sizes | 594 x short side – $120  |  420 x short side – $92
* Posters printed on fine art papers and treated with two coats of UV archival spray varnish.

PROCESS

Original painted on fine-weave, gesso-primed linen canvas. Stretch mounted proudly on New Zealand pine moulds and protected with brushed dammar varnish.

FASHION and PRODUCTS

Images from “The Kingfisher’s Peace” will be exhibited on multiple product lines at Fine Art America

SHIPPING

• Includes insurance and package/handling fees.
• The Original and Limited Edition reproductions ship with the Provenance-coded Authentication of the Sale Certificate and maintenance information.
• Poster art prints ship in insured tubes.
• Stretch-mounted reproductions will incur added freight charges.

AWARDS