'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.
I particularly remember that day in 1987 when I painted the woolshed. It was warm and dry and the heavy scent of lanolin sat on the still air like an exotic perfume. As the day warmed the timbers of the old building creaked a little as they moved in a continuum of movement that had gone on for many decades leaving the clapboards uneven, distorted and a delight for the artist.
Pigeon Bay was named for the abundant flocks of native birds - kereru - found there by European sailors in the mid-nineteenth century. The sailors killed them for food remorselessly; these days, thank heaven, the birds are protected.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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