Suzanne Vaughan

TAIL SERIES

Water covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface and supports nearly half of the species. Many of the magnificent aquatic creatures it harbors in its oceans provide humans with both sustenance and inspiration. The movie ​Whale Rider ​ , a New Zealand film based on a Maori legend, highlights the importance of the relationship between our natural environment and our majestic guardian and protector, the whale. This tai

ls series evolved from this fundamental idea, with each piece depicting the swishing, flicking, or standing tail. Then to emphasize the elegant movement of the whale, shimmering and glistening as they propel through the water, each is coated with rhythmic patterns of vibrantly colored or iridized glass. The sculpture is embellished further with an accent of laminated pearl, abalone, or paua shell sourced from New Zealand.