Danny Forrest
A detailed sculptural portrait celebrating one of Aotearoa’s smallest native birds.
A titipounamu, or rifleman, perches purposefully among the leaves and vivid blue-purple berries of a māhoe branch. The small bird’s mossy greens, pale chest and finely marked feathers blend beautifully with the surrounding foliage while remaining the clear focus of the composition.
Every element has been shaped by hand in polymer clay. Individually formed feathers create remarkable depth across the bird, while the sculpted leaves, branch and clusters of berries bring rhythm, colour and movement to the natural plywood surface.
Both decorative and highly detailed, Rifleman–Māhoe offers a contemporary celebration of New Zealand birdlife and rewards closer viewing through its intricate textures.
Jagged green leaves hang
Rifleman perches, watching
Bright berries ripen
Intricate. Native. Textural.
Hand-sculpted polymer clay on plywood 20 × 20 × 4.2 cm Square plywood panel
UNFRAMED room-setting image shows a display possibility only.
Danny Forrest
A detailed sculptural portrait celebrating one of Aotearoa’s smallest native birds.
A titipounamu, or rifleman, perches purposefully among the leaves and vivid blue-purple berries of a māhoe branch. The small bird’s mossy greens, pale chest and finely marked feathers blend beautifully with the surrounding foliage while remaining the clear focus of the composition.
Every element has been shaped by hand in polymer clay. Individually formed feathers create remarkable depth across the bird, while the sculpted leaves, branch and clusters of berries bring rhythm, colour and movement to the natural plywood surface.
Both decorative and highly detailed, Rifleman–Māhoe offers a contemporary celebration of New Zealand birdlife and rewards closer viewing through its intricate textures.
Jagged green leaves hang
Rifleman perches, watching
Bright berries ripen
Intricate. Native. Textural.
Hand-sculpted polymer clay on plywood 20 × 20 × 4.2 cm Square plywood panel
UNFRAMED room-setting image shows a display possibility only.
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