Whai (stingray)

Seeing stingrays in the harbour is always a special moment, their graceful movements through the water. In Māori culture, stingrays (whai) are often seen as guardian animals, representing strength, protection, and guidance. Some stories tell of them as kaitiaki (spiritual guardians) of certain places or people, watching over those who share the waters with them. Each sighting feels like a blessing, a quiet reminder of the deep connection between the land, sea, and those who inhabit it. No matter how many times we see them, we are always delighted, pausing to watch as they move with quiet wisdom through their watery world.

I began this series by drawing and cutting the lino Whai, then experimenting with composition, layering and combining with small hand cut coral stamps. I love this process as it allows endless outcome possibilities. I have used a tera pack print background to add some watery depth.

Every step in the process of making the linocut, from drawing and designing, to carving and printing, is done by hand, and as such, every linocut is completely unique and may vary slightly in colour, ink evenness and other small variations. 

Whai have been printed in grey/black with either Blue and Teal/Green Tetra Pak backgrounds. Please contact me to discuss different colour ways with this print.

Handmade linocut print.

Dimensions 29.7cm by 42cm approx.

Whai has been drawn and carved into linoleum and hand printed by me using water based ink onto 135gsm acid free paper. Open edition.