Prints by Walter Hansen

It would be nice to think the Kōkako have made a Comeback, but having never seen or heard one, I’d just like them to Come Back. This edition is split into two colourways – one for the blue-wattled North Island Kōkako, and one for the presumed-extinct yellow/orange-wattled South Island Kōkako. There are only 35 of each and it’s printed on the same stock as my previous print The Huia Show, hand-signed and embossed and available from Endemic World soon.

Now for some recommended listening: here’s a recording of the Kōkako song so you know what to listen out for… and Pearl Jam’s Come Back was an inspiration for this print too.

 

Here’s a sketch I did on the bus. Somehow it went from sketch phase to final with little change.

This is part II of my Wattlebird Gig series, so you’ll be able to guess what the third and final will be.

When my printers are nailing down colour and registration they randomly produce some really interesting compositions and textures, which can lead to new ideas. Here’s a few of my favourite accidental gems.

The never-to-be-repeated Black/Red colourway of Chirp is now in 70 homes around the world. Thanks to all who bought one. I couldn’t let these beauties go extinct though, so here’s the Blue/Black Kōkako Edition. Printed on Somerset 500gsm by Magpie Press, hand-signed limited edition of 70. All typefaces by Joseph Churchward. Available soon at Endemic World.

I came across this quote while researching my earlier print Sing:

“While we were looking at and admiring this little picture of bird-life, a pair of Huia, without uttering a sound, appeared in a tree overhead, and as they were caressing each other with their beautiful bills, a charge of No. 6 brought them both to the ground together. The incident was rather touching and I felt almost glad that the shot was not mine, although by no means loth to appropriate 2 fine specimens.”

– Sir Walter Buller

(From The Penguin Natural World of New Zealand by Gerard Hutching.)

That inspired this print, called The Huia Show. I wish those who eradicated the Huia had been more considerate, as I would’ve liked the opportunity to listen to the Huia’s music and watch them perform. I’d be happy to do their gig posters too.

Available online at Endemic World and in-the-paper at Popup Gallery on Ghuznee Street (who offer some sweet framing options too).

This is screenprinted on cream 216 gsm Environment paper, which is made up using 30% post-consumer recycled fibres, which are visible in the stock. The dark blue areas have a hint of silver ink blended through that add depth and give it a metallic sheen. Hand-signed and embossed edition of 70, 500 x 750 mm.

Update: Just got my magic #17 framed.