Lucee and Me

This powerful work celebrates the profound bond of friendship and the gift of cultural sharing. When one friend invited the other to journey to her homeland in New Zealand, she offered more than a travel experience—she opened a door to her Maori heritage, her ancestral connections, and the landscape that shaped her identity.

The painting captures that transformative moment of shared understanding, where years of friendship deepen into something more sacred. Standing together overlooking the stunning New Zealand terrain, these two women embody the trust and intimacy that comes from weathering life's trials side by side. This is friendship as witness, as sanctuary, as bridge between worlds.

Through this commission, the artist honours not just a personal relationship, but the profound act of cultural generosity—inviting someone into the stories, places, and traditions that define who we are. It's a testament to the friendships that expand our understanding of the world and of each other, and to the courage it takes to share one's roots with another.