Tallulah's Whale
The artist, Darren Keith, carved this pole as a dedication for his four year old daughter. He was inspired by his daughters love for drawing and sea animals. Darren hopes this whale will be his daughters guardian in life for all her years to come, and will remain an important figure of her childhood.
The artwork is meant for not only his daughter but all young children from Tokoroa to adore and treasure, it is open for children to enjoy and study the fine piece of art on display in the township. This carving symbolises the sea life that are so precious and magical for our children, the imagination of this piece is clear and exciting.
| Location | Roslin Street children's play area |
| Materials | Mātai, Reclining on concrete and a large rock |
| Created | 2006 |
| Artist | Darren Keith |
| Definition of Name | Tallulah - Tallulah is a girls name of Native American Indian origin. Tallulah holds the meaning of 'leaping' water, and is related closely with the Chochtaw word for water, 'oka'
Whale - a very large marine mammal with a streamlined hairless body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on top of the head for breathing |
| Definition Interpretation | The whale is Tallulah's (a person), in some way shape or form. |
Materials
This log was donated by Te Putahitanga O Nga Ara Trust.
Mātai heartwood can be a yellowish colour when cut fresh, although it darkens to a dark redish brown when exposed to sunlight. The timber could be confused with Rimu on first look, but Mātai wood tends to have more pronounced growth rings. Mātai is also strong smelling when first cut.
Mātai can be found extensively throughout lowland forests, with heights of 25-30 metres recorded. Older more mature Mātai are a sought after, in demand wood as it is one the highest and finest grades of native species. Mātai is revered for high yields of heartwood timber that is clear and has an attractive finish.
Artist Notes
Darren is a local man, from Tokoroa. He enjoys working with a number of different materials, as seen here he has a love for Mātai wood, other pieces of his include the use of ceramics and various woods. He has already produced two works for the Talking Poles project, both of them for the Business and Professional Women's Club. One of his other pieces which contain 6 ceramic panels, is in Leith Place.
