Dannika Tukua may have been in the Eastern Bay for only five months, but her vibrant, quirky art has already captured the attention of many.

With a background as a former Department of Conservation ranger, Tukua draws much of her inspiration from New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Her artwork features birds such as fantails, kiwi, kea, kakapo, and more, all depicted with intricate detail and a playful, whimsical touch.

Her work goes beyond traditional representations. Her cheeky creations include tomtits trying to get gum from a gumball machine, fantails racing in dodgem cars, and even a kiwi dressed as an All Black, among her many imaginative creations.

Using acrylic paint and Posca pens, Tukua adds a lighthearted, creative flair to her art.

“People always ask, ‘where do you get your ideas from?’” said Tukua.

“I get a lot of inspiration from nature and the outdoors. A lot of it also comes from my childhood, I was born in the ‘80s.”

One of her favourite pieces depicts fantails on dodgem cars: “I loved dodgem cars as a kid. We had an event called the Winter Show in Waikato that came every year, and it was full of fantasy stuff,” she recalls. “I love getting creative.”

Tukua has also embraced the concept of “art with heart”, where she creates personal, meaningful pieces for people.

Her commissions come from all around the globe – the UK, Australia, and beyond.

“There are so many Kiwis living abroad, and they want a kiwi on their wall to show who they are and where they’re from.”

Tukua is from the Waikato and has contributed to public art projects there, including painting Chorus boxes and creating murals, including like a food forest mural using Resene paints.

Community and giving back are very much part of her ethos, and this stems from some life-changing events in her life.

Her artistic journey began about four years ago, shortly after the birth of her daughter, Lani. A major health scare changed her perspective on life. “Three months after I had Lani, I had a massive heart attack caused by a coronary artery dissection, a rare condition related to childbirth,” she said.

Doctors told her she could no longer safely have more children, so Lani would be her only child, and she decided to spend as much time as she could with her daughter.

Determined to supplement her husband’s income – Pearson Tukua is the new marine Department of Conservation ranger for the Eastern Bay – the artist started exploring her creative side.

“I’ve always been crafty, so I started doodling. I think I shared a picture of a kakapo, and someone bought it. It just snowballed from there, and soon I was doing prints and commissions,” she said.

Tukua is also passionate about supporting the community and has worked with groups like Angel Casts, which creates keepsakes for bereaved parents, as well as Big Brother Big Sister and various charity fundraisers.

“The heart attack really made me see life differently,” she reflects. “Being a mum is the most precious thing to me. That really influences my art, too. Life is about the meaningful things.”

Throughout her journey, Tukua has been fortunate to have her mother, Helen Frost – a painter and ceramicist – as a mentor. “Mum has been my quality control.”

You can view more of Tukua’s artwork online or visit her at the Whakatāne Sunday markets: www.artbydannikatukua.org.