New Zealand Flag Design Ideas

New Zealand Flag Idea, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

Is it time to change our national flag?

My personal feeling is that with the highest unemployment in 17 years and a health system that is struggling to cope our nation should be focusing on these higher priorities and not be considering undertaking a highly expensive referendum to decide whether or not we should change our national flag.

Having said that though our New Zealand flag is very similar to the Australian flag and so perhaps it is time for us to consider a new design that represents New Zealand and its cultural heritage in 2010.

I have for a long time felt that the white fern on the black background you often see at various sporting events is very striking and would make a good national flag. This partially influenced the black and white design ideas I have come up with.

Fractal art is synonymous with spirals and so is a perfect medium to create koru inspired shapes. The koru shape in Maori culture depicts new beginnings, growth and harmony. I particularly like working with red, white and black colour combinations as they are very striking and in New Zealand this colour combination is synonymous with Maori art and culture, so highly appropriate for use in flag designs.

I had a lot of fun creating this series of contemporary flag design ideas and the one that I like the most is the first one I have presented.

Enjoy!

New Zealand Flag Idea 2, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

New Zealand Flag Idea 3, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

New Zealand Flag Idea 4, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

New Zealand Flag Idea 5, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

New Zealand Flag Idea 6, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

I have created an art tour to allow you to view all of my fractal art. At the bottom of each blog post you will see 'Take the fractal art tour' and a link which you click on to take you to the next artwork. The tour is set up so that you travel through my blog and end up back on this page. Click on the link below called 'What is fractal art?' to start the tour. Enjoy! I would love to know which is your favourite so do pop back and leave a comment.

Take the fractal art tour:

• What is fractal art?

Next blog update: 12th February 2010

Does Art Mimic Life or Life Mimic Art?

Entrapment, Copyright © 2007 by Sandra Reid

Friday's thought to ponder:

Does art mimic life or life mimic art?

What do you think? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Take the fractal art tour:

• New Zealand Flag Design Ideas
  

Rhythmic Ice Dancers

Rhythmic Ice Dancers, Copyright © 2008 By Sandra Reid

The colours, shapes and placement of these two very cute fractal skaters represent a contemporary ice dance routine.

As they skate across the ice the soft fabric of their costumes flows around and behind them to create interesting shapes.

Take the fractal art tour:

• Entrapment
  

Sunrise

Wellington Sunrise, Copyright © 2006 by Sandra Reid

I squeeze my feet into my cross trainers, rapidly tie up my hair, throw on a heavy winter coat over my pyjamas, grab my camera and tripod as I have no time to waste. Bleary eyed I head up the driveway to the front lawn hoping like mad I don't trip on my untied shoelaces along the way.

The air is cool, but not crisp like a green apple, yet is wildly invigorating. The streetlight in front of the old farmhouse on the brow of the hill begins to glow dimly signalling the entrance of dawn. In the far distance to the east lie the Orongorongo ranges shrouded in early morning red-brown shadow. A band of pale orange-yellow clear sky adorns the tops of the ranges. Above this a blanket of the most stunning orange-red altostratus clouds stretch across the sky as far as the eye can see.

Tranquillity prevails, neither man nor creature stirs. It is like being suspended in time as the world takes a break from its hectic life to gaze upon this beautiful natural phenomenon.

I take a few photos but I am not in a very good place to capture the true beauty of this magnificent sunrise with overhead power lines and the roof of my house in the way. Looking like 'something the cat dragged in' I am also not in a position to jump in the car and find a better location either. I choose, therefore, to stand on the front lawn in my PJ's and enjoy the stillness, tranquillity and one of those rare peaceful moments in life.

A new day begins.

Today was a change in direction with the incorporation of photography into the blog for the first time as the new website my husband and I are building will not be solely focusing on fractal art. Watch this space.

Squiggles n' Things - Fractal Art by Sandra Reid

Squiggles n' Things, Copyright © 2008 by Sandra Reid

Creating a new body of work takes time so while I'm beavering away creating I thought I would share an older work called, 'Squiggles n' Things' which is a fun piece comprised of squiggles, bubbles and curly things.


Take the fractal art tour

• Rhythmic Ice Dancers
  

Small Beginnings - Fractal Art by Sandra Reid

Small Beginnings, Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Reid

When I am not creating fractal art I can be found poking around outside looking for the latest macro photography subject. The inspiration for Small Beginnings came from my macro photography where I use a very narrow depth of field in order to create some fascinating and beautiful compositions. I feel this triptych captures the essence of the macro world really well with areas of both soft and sharp focus.

Take the fractal art tour:

• Squiggles n' Things
  

Happy Christmas To All

Christmas 2009, Copyright © 2009 by Sandra Reid

You are surrounded by gifts every living moment of every day.
Let yourself feel appreciation for their presence in your life and take time to acknowledge their splendour. Lon.G. Nungesser

I would like to wish all my readers, family and friends a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2010.

Take the fractal art tour:

• Small Beginnings