Stamping a mark on Muriwai

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Stamping a mark on Muriwai

Many artists would prefer their work to be large – the bigger the better – and not the size of a postage stamp.

But for Auckland photographer Paul Green it’s this very format that will transport his images of Muriwai Beach around the country, having been selected to illustrate the inaugural postage stamps for new postal products brand, Croxley Mail.

Iconic New Zealand stationer Croxley is now a registered postal operator with New Zealand Post.

From today, ‘Croxley Mail’ postage stamps, prepaid envelopes and parcel boxes can be used in the New Zealand postal system. An access agreement with New Zealand Post enables Croxley Mail products to be delivered through the postal system on Croxley’s behalf.

The first set of six Croxley Mail stamps in circulation feature a series of Paul Green’s landscape images photographed under the moonlight at Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s west coast.

The photographer says New Zealanders tend to get a bit complacent about landscapes because we are surrounded by such beautiful scenery throughout the country, but he hopes two of his photographic techniques will encourage New Zealanders to look twice at the artwork on the corner of their envelopes.

“People are often surprised to learn the photographs, with blue skies, were taken at night under full moon. It’s the night element that makes them look slightly unusual. On one hand, it’s a realistic interpretation of what’s there, but on the other it’s quite surreal.”

The images also represent a passage of time, using long exposure to compress 10 minutes into a single image.

“You think you’re looking at a single image, but when you look closer you realise there is movement and that time has passed in the creation of the image.”

The Kumeu resident says the images are part of an ongoing project to capture the remarkable power and beauty of the wild, west coast beach – an area that has long inspired many artists such as Colin McCahon.

“Muriwai tends to draw strong reactions from people, commanding our fear and respect. At night the landscape really comes alive and you can see things change so dramatically and appreciate its power.”

Paul Green is a self-employed graphic designer specialising in corporate identity work whose interest in photography began during his formal training and has continued since as a personal creative outlet.

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