Earthsea Gallery

Sam's Creek is a hidden gem, tucked away in a steep gully 25 km south of Takaka in the Cobb Valley. Our annual pilgrimage to Sam's Creek to photograph the living green of emerald pools and magnificent light filtering through ferns and trees never fails to leave us feeling inspired and up-lifted. Towering bluffs and huge boulders give a solidness and permanence to this enchanted landscape. Sam's Creek although surrounded by Kahurangi National Park has been excluded from the park's boundaries and is conservation-managed land. A joint-venture between a Perth mining company MOD Resources and NZ's OceanaGold Corporation hold an exploration permit to drill in search of gold. The drilling programme was completed in March and the companies have since been granted a five-year extension to its exploration permit. This recently completed painting 'All that Glitters, Sam's Creek' must be one of Peter's best. It took 2 months to paint and is one of his largest works. Peter has embedded gold leaf in clear medium to form small nuggets symbolising the presence of gold in the creek. The title, 'All that Glitters' to some people may represent sunlight reflected off water or filtered through foliage or the overwhelming loveliness of this natural landscape. To others it may represent the rich deposits of gold possibly hidden beneath this precious and fragile country. While this painting has been sold a limited edition of 50 canvas giclees will be available over the next few months.