Kiri Tawhai Art Piece- Wowak (Breathe) (180cm by 122cm)

Wowak means to breathe or take a big breath. Breath is an ancient, and appropriately timeless, tool of healing and spiritual connection. To slow down and concentrate on your own breathing can centre your thinking, calm your heart rate, and connect you more truly to yourself.

You can breathe in good vibes and breathe out negativity. This work represents my connection to Waugal, the major spirit for Noongar people and central to our beliefs and customs. Waugal is a snake or rainbow serpent recognised by Noongar as the giver of life, maintaining all fresh water sources. It was Waugal that made Noongar people custodians of the land. Waugal or waug means soul, spirit or breath.

The similarity in word and meaning shows just how spiritual the act of intentional breathing is. In this work I wanted to share the feeling you get when you breathe, from a spiritual place, with intention and joy. To fill your cup with all that keeps you staunch and aligned on your path.

180cm by 122cm