Auckland - West

Mainly West of Queen Street - seen through my lens

Month: January 2015 (page 1 of 3)

Mural by Saner (2014)

January 31, 2015 / / 2 Comments
Mural by Saner (2014)

Mural by Saner (2014)

This huge mural brightens up one of the black walls of a warehouse (presently for sale) next to Ian McKinnon Drive in Eden Terrace. A prime position for a mural with optimal visibility. Manual Magazine has an interview with the Mexican artist (Edgar Saner Flores, ‘Saner‘) with a video of the creation of the piece.

Here his comments on this piece:

“I was invited by the Pacifico Beer company to create a mural with my vision and an exhibition, this as an activation and to create a different experience.

The mural is inspired by our trip to New Zealand and our journey through life. The characters and symbols, like the driver with the jade mask represent all those who face new experiences and take challenges that make them lose their fears regardless of the outcome of things, always guided by reason and trust (the house and the kiwi on the tip of the spear).”

Mural by Saner (2014)

Mural by Saner (2014)

To Become a Ladybug

January 30, 2015 / / 2 Comments
Larva

Larva

Yesterday I visited my favourite puriri tree near the top of Mount Eden. Its deeply furrowed bark is a haven for all kinds of creatures. It must have been a day out for numerous white critters like the one shown here. A larva of some kind of ladybug (hyperaspis sp?). In case you are wondering: less than 2 cm long, and the head is near the bottom left in the picture; the white ‘fur coat’ is a waxy extrusion; they hunt scale insects. (The picture below was taken on another occasion, when no such larvae were about.)

Puriri Trunk

Puriri Trunk

Jazz

January 29, 2015 / / 3 Comments
Miho Wada

Miho Wada

Last Sunday at the band rotunda in Cornwall Park, Miho Wada and her jazz orchestra entertained an appreciative crowd with their rhythms and energetic tunes,not to mention charm. If you missed it – there is another concert coming up next Sunday (February 1, 1 pm at the Auckland Domain band rotunda).

Miho Wada

Miho Wada

King Sweetie

January 28, 2015 / / 2 Comments
King Sweetie

King Sweetie

The sweetest capsicums ever – at the Titirangi Markets (last Sunday of the month).

A Day of Celebration

January 27, 2015 / / 1 Comment
On Top of the --- Roof Terrace

On Top of the — Roof Terrace

The last Monday of January is Auckland’s Anniversary Day (175 years this time!), by coincidence, it also fell on Australia Day (26 January every year). Our low key celebration had a more global ambit with a visit by fellow photo blogger jb (of Mainz Daily Photo and (Not the) Nelson Daily Photo fame) and Ms jb – seen here on top of Lopdell House turning our backs to the view as a friendly visitor from Laingholm took a shot for us. Always great to meet up, be it here or overseas!

Painted Boxes: Locomotive

January 26, 2015 / / 2 Comments
Painted Boxes: Locomotive

Painted Boxes: Locomotive

This cute steam engine (painted, I think, by Dan Mills) graces a utility box in Ranui (intersection Ranui Station Road and Marinich Drive South).

Sunset Kereru

January 25, 2015 / / 3 Comments
Sunset Kereru

Sunset Kereru

A new Zealand Woodpigeon (kereru, Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) enjoys the last rays of the sun amidst the kanuka trees. From our deck.

Crane Fly

January 24, 2015 / / 1 Comment
Crane Fly

Crane Fly

It’s the season of creepy-crawleys, and we see more crane flies in the house. This one was posing patiently, and with its lovely green shade I could not resist (mostly we see the brownish ones). Clearly visible is the pair of halteres, modifications of the hind wings acting as flight stabilisers.

While they look like super sized mosquitoes, they are totally harmless (maybe a nuisance if their long legs get caught in your hair – not a problem for my bald head).

Leptotarsus virescens; about 2 cm nose to tail.

Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

January 23, 2015 / / 3 Comments
Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

This work “Soom” (breath) by Korean-born artist Seung Yul Oh consists of 16 PVC ‘soap bubbles’ (held inflated by a compressor). A close cooperation between artist, designer (John-Troy O’Sullivan) and manufacturer (Fabric Structure Systems). Commissioned by Auckland Art Gallery, supported by Chartwell Trust and Fabric Structure Systems.

I loved the idea and its realisation in the elevated position on the terrace and proximity to the trees, but found the limited space a bit restrictive.

Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

Soom (Seung Yul Oh 2014)

Thirsty Weather

January 22, 2015 / / 2 Comments
Cool Beer

Cool Beer

The country is reflecting on whether we are having a drought or should we just celebrate weeks of sunshine. (Someone else’s beer while I have to avoid fizzy drinks…)

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