Coastal Beauty and the Dotterel: An Artist's View

Introduction

The coast has always inspired me. It is a magical space where light and water meet land, creating ever-changing patterns. Through my art, I aim to honor this dynamic beauty. I paint not only what I see but also what I feel: the peace, power, and connection we share with these natural places.

Coastal Changes We Can’t Ignore

As I spend time observing the coastline, I notice many signs of change—some quiet and gradual, others striking. Stronger storms are reshaping our lands. Waves continuously erode sand and soil, leading to significant loss. Trees lean in the wind, their roots exposed where sand once provided cover.

The bird populations that once filled our skies with song and grace, like the New Zealand dotterel, are now under severe pressure. Habitat loss, driven by coastal development, rising seas, pollution, and human encroachment, has significantly diminished their nesting areas. Additionally, a steady decline in fish populations adds more strain to an already fragile ecosystem. These changes are real, and they are happening right now.

Painting the Dotterel – A Small Bird with a Big Story

Recently, I have focused on painting the New Zealand dotterel, known locally as tūturiwhatu. This small, sandy-colored shorebird nests just above the high tide line. They are often easy to miss, blending into the dunes or standing still in the shimmer of heat on the sand. Historically, their numbers were more abundant, but they have dramatically declined due to multiple factors: habitat loss, coastal development, human disturbance, and introduced predators like stoats and cats. Today, only about 2,500 dotterels remain. Classified as “At Risk – Recovering,” they symbolize the fragile balance of many native species surviving thanks to ongoing conservation efforts and public care.

To me, the dotterel represents the fragility and preciousness of our coastlines. It lives at the edge—both literally and metaphorically—raising its chicks in exposed places. These birds are vulnerable to even minor changes in their environment.

This artwork, The Dotterel: A Fragile Existence is currently showing in my exhibition, Coastal Tapestry. It sits alongside other pieces that celebrate the beauty of the coast while inviting viewers to look more closely and care more deeply.

The Role of Art in Conservation

I firmly believe that art has the power to forge emotional connections between people and the environment. When someone pauses to appreciate a scene—a stretch of sand, the shimmer of the sea, or a solitary bird—it fosters reflection. These moments allow us to deepen our appreciation of nature, potentially sparking a sense of responsibility to protect it.

Through art, we can communicate the urgency of conservation. Each piece can tell a story, drawing attention to the beauty and fragility of our surroundings. This connection, fostered by shared experiences and emotions, can inspire individuals to take action for the environment.

What You Can Do

Many organizations are actively working to protect our coastlines and wildlife. If you feel inspired to support or learn more, consider these groups that are doing crucial work:

• Forest & Bird – Advocating for native species and wild places across New Zealand.

• Department of Conservation – NZ Dotterel Info – Provides resources and information about dotterels and their conservation status.

• Sustainable Coastlines – Focuses on community beach cleanups, restoration projects, and education to maintain our coastlines.

• Project Jonah – Works for marine mammal rescue and ocean protection initiatives.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Through Coastal Tapestry, I aim to share both the visual beauty and the underlying stories of our coastline—stories of resilience, change, and stewardship. If each of us can foster a bit more awareness in our hearts and take small actions, we can work together to protect the places and species we love.