The Waterman Performance

Bit more about him here:

Michael O'DONNELL - Clay worker, Ceramic Artist and Storyteller
Article by reporter Peter Gibbs, Nelson Mail, Wednesday June 15th 2005

Its been a long journey for a clay worker, ceramic artist and storyteller Michael O’Donnell, from Christopher Vine’s pottery in Nelson 32 years ago, on to the Hauraki district, Ireland and around New Zealand. Now he’s back in Nelson to tell us his story.

The Water Man
Michael O’Donnell uses water as a metaphor for the life spirit - the water of life. His story starts with the water of his stream, Tarariki, in the Hauraki district close to Paeroa. His pottery workshop stands on the banks of the stream.

When the stream and all the surrounding ecology came under threat from gold-mining companies more than a decade ago, O’Donnell reacted on many levels.

He used his scientific background and training to fight the mining companies in the courts. He also used his background as a potter and an artist to give expression to the spirit of the water.

His water guardians, water bowls and water carriers became a symbol of a heritage under threat, which touched people of all races who saw them.


The large sculptural works so impressed art impresario the late James Mack that he sequestered them to use in a ceremony to welcome back the artworks in glass and clay that had formed the basis for the display in the New Zealand pavilion at Expo ‘92 in Seville.They also impressed the Maori elders in the Hauraki district.

Local people had a sense of the mana of the work and the importance it would comer to have for the district. As well, they respected the stories O’Donnell told about water and its power in representing the story of the people of the land, so they sent him back to Ireland to learn the stories of his old people.

To accompany him on his journey they gave him a symbolic tokotoko (walking stick) and a piece of pounamu passed to him by historian Barry Brailsford.

In Ireland he discovered similar stories about water. He swam into the source of the Shannon river to leave the pounamu as a link between the country of his birth and the country of his ancestors.

Since then he’s interspersed periods of working with clay with periods of taking his water guardians on walks around New Zealand, telling people his stories and introducing the people who have helped and befriended him in his journey through life.

Among those friends are Nelson musicians Miles and Margaret Jackson. The Jacksons were introduced to O’Donnell during a tour around Hauraki in 1991 and spent an evening with him and his wife Julienne.
During the past 14 years they’ve refined and built on that music and have now completed work on a CD of their own compositions, titled Tarariki.

While that album is not due for release until July 4, the Jacksons will perform the first movement of the title track as a prelude to O’Donnell’s performance on Monday.



StonePrint is hosting a talk by Mike O’Donnell the Waterman
He calls it ‘Watering the Seed’

“I’ve sat in awe of Mike’s work, of his understanding of the inner secrets of water, of the wonderful support placed by Maori elders who marvel at the return of wisdoms long concealed. I look forward to this evening with excitement and hope you can join us at the meeting of the waters.
Sounds a bit like the Old Tides – the ancient songs that abide.”

Hi there,

The Wellington is on main road (Bridstol Rd) there is free on road parking & reasonably safe. I park there. There are side roads again on road parking - thou busy at times due to the theatres.

There is a euro car park - charges apply 24hrs.
Hope that helps, if you need more info pvt me can always coantact via phone-emial.
Dafe journye & see you there Wednesday.

Hawker

Well I must have to say, this was a really moving, uplifting, spiritual & fascinating talk. It was also humbling to listen to the old stories, hear the Maori words & ideals.

All I can say is privelaged the Waterman wanted to share his story with those that attended. Thanks to organising this for us.

Hawker

it was very inspiring and as the others have said
very spirtual.

it was one of the most interesting talks i have listen too in a long while.


posh

I'm actualy really upset, I came down with toncilitus and a head cold on Tuesday so could not attend without passing out

I really wanted to go.

W.