Hut Scapes

This year I’ll be collaborating with The Backcountry Trust to create a series of unique large scale paintings featuring some of our countries most idyllic and iconic shelters.

I hear you asking Who? Why? What does that mean?

Let me explain

The underlying message in all my work which I hope shines through is what an incredible place it is we live in. Our flora and fauna are a unique treasure, a treasure worth protecting for future generations. My work is there to inspire people to go and see for themselves whether that’s walk the local bush trail, or along the beach, plant some natives or join a conservation group or go further afield and venture deeper into our wild places. I believe that the more experiences people have of our flora and fauna and majestic landscapes the more awe they feel, more care is taken and knowledge we gain to ensure its future.

Each year I work with a group that aligns with my values that I’d like to support by sharing their story, creating something that celebrates the enormous effort that its members contribute and offer what I can in the way of financial support. This year it’s The Backcountry Trust. As a lover of a night in a backcountry hut I think the work that they do to ensure that there will always be shelters dotted amongst our hills is amazing and something worth supporting and celebrating. 

The Backcountry Trust are passionate about outdoor recreation and preserving New Zealand’s rich history of remote huts and tracks through the boundless energy of Aotearoa’s backcountry volunteers. They fund projects to maintain and improve huts and tracks on public conservation land. Since its inception in 2014, the Backcountry Trust has funded the restoration of over 280 huts and 1500 km of walking and mountain bike tracks.

Their Vision
People’s lives are enriched by experiencing the wild places of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Their Mission
To enable and empower communities to restore, maintain and enhance our backcountry huts and tracks, as a living heritage, for the benefit of all.

I’ll be updating this page as the project progresses however for up to date photos and video on the process and progress of these paintings and to have your say about which huts are selected follow either my social media pages or The Backcountry Trust Facebook or Instagram.