People of Nature

" People of Nature" Series is my way of exploring and depicting our place within the natural world,
​the living breathing ecosystem we are part of, and it is part of us

"Spring of Life" oil on canvas ( watercolor underpainting) , 75x51cm, Original available at Next Door Gallery, Auckland, $2700 NZD, Enquire at Next Door gallery

"Spring of Life"
​Darina, always enchanted by patterns, finds order in chaos as she observes the world. When she looks at her arms and veins, she imagines pohutukawa branches growing, envisioning nature engraved into our very flesh. Blood runs through our veins like sap through trees, like rivers in their courses. Our hands resemble branches, offering shelter and protection, contingent upon our care.

"Evolving", Oil on canvas, 48 cm x 73cm, Original available, $2700NZD

"Evolving"  Nikau palm, connected to the earth, reaches the sky. Standing strong despite rough storms and the burning Summer sun, she builds herself up and patiently evolves layer by layer until the first flowers appear. Selfless, she has so much to offer to the world and her beloved Kereru. The Nīkau is very slow-growing. It takes 40–50 years to form a trunk and about 200 years to reach 10 m tall. A Nikau palm can take up to 40 years to flower

Oil on canvas, Black Frame, Ready to hang 73x53 cm, Original Available at Haratu Art Gallery, Russell, NZ, $2700 NZD

"Moana Sanctuary"
​The artwork focuses on the profound bond between a mother whale and her calf. The whales symbolize the strength yet fragility of ocean ecosystems. The painting aims to evoke the emotion of unconditional love and urges the need to protect what we love and care for. Our Moana is a beauty worth preserving.
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95x48,5cm, Oil on canvas, Black Frame, Ready to hang, Original available at Moko Artspace Gallery, Coromandel, NZ, enquire [email protected] $3500 NZD

"Moana"
Moana by Darina Denali captures the essence and spirit of the Pacific Ocean. She explores the ocean's role not only as a mysterious, unpredictable, and powerful force but also as a nurturing and protective figure with nourishing and life-giving qualities. 
The gentle flow of tides, the movement of seaweed in waves, and the rhythmic dance of marine life all contribute to the appreciation of the delicate balance and interconnection within the marine ecosystem. 
Darina profoundly appreciates the beauty and complexity of ocean life and recognizes the ocean’s critical role in sustaining biodiversity and human existence. She wishes to cherish and protect the ocean for future generations.

"Embrace" , Oil on canvas, 92x 45,5 cm, Original available, $3500 NZD

​The "Embrace" envisions a harmonious balance between us and the natural environment, allowing us to coexist and interact seamlessly.  Rather than dominating nature, we are an extension of the natural world in synergy and unity. 
Fungi represent the unseen networks that sustain the cycle of life and the underlying connections that bind all living things.
The butterfly symbolizes transformation and the fleeting beauty of life: metamorphosis, freedom, and transient yet profound moments of existence.
The octopus is known for its wit and adaptability. Its tentacles wrapped in an embrace suggest the intertwining of lives and the strength found in vulnerability.
The painting "Embrace" captures our place within the natural world by blending the boundaries between humans and nature. It inspires a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that sustains us all.