Porirua Writers Walk - Elizabeth Knox

Elizabeth Knox was born in Wellington and grew up in Wellington suburbs, including Paremata from 1969 to 1982. She is the author of, to date, sixteen works of fiction, including The Vintner’s Luck, Dreamhunter and Dreamquake, Wake, and The Absolute Book.

The quote comes from ‘Getting Over It’ an essay in Elizabeth’s collection of The Love School: Personal Essays (2008).

 

The photograph is by Ebony Lamb.

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Sculpture

​The Elizabeth Knox  sculpture , the fifth sculpture along the Writers' Walk was conceived by Keri- Mei Zagrobelna, requested by Elizabeth specifically due to their personal connection. Keri-Mei Zagrobelna is a contemporary Māori jeweller based in Wellington, New Zealand. Read about her experience and artist practice here. https://share.google/FOIMYN16ixGH8CVZS

 

‘She watched the black swans in the Porirua inlet, on the foaming, muddy water, turned into the wind like boats at anchor.

There it was.

There it all was.

Closer than tomorrow and more solid than sense.

Love stood in her shoes and tried to suck the breath from her mouth.’

-Elizabeth Knox

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This sculpture serves as a gateway, marking the beginning of the Porirua Writers' Sculpture Walk and inviting visitors on a journey of reflection and discovery. Much like the gateways and thresholds explored in Elizabeth Knox’s writing, the sculpture symbolizes transitions and new beginnings, mirroring our own entry into the world through feminine energies.

Rooted deeply in the whenua, the piece reflects the connection between identity, place, and experience. It honors Knox’s literary legacy while acknowledging the mana whenua of the area, bridging cultural heritage with personal narrative. The anchor, influenced by the hei matau, represents both the abundant food sources of the harbour and the nourishment found in creative expression. Its design, with curved lines reminiscent of a swan’s neck, draws from the natural beauty of the land and speaks to Knox’s environmental values.

The flowing, feminine curves of the sculpture create a visual contrast with the other works in the walk, emphasizing Knox’s commitment to feminist ideals and the organic forms found in nature. The upward sweep suggests breath and movement, offering a portal that frames the surrounding landscape. This portal resonates with Knox’s exploration of other realms and the “in-between” spaces in her writing, inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens.

In creating this piece, I sought to weave together multiple narratives in a way that is visually subtle yet emotionally uplifting. I hope that locals will see themselves reflected in the sculpture, while also recognizing the homage to Knox’s work. The space within the sculpture is designed for people to sit, read, and engage with their surroundings, providing a quiet moment of connection with both the art and the environment.

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