MONNI Art Native Plant Painting | Toi Whenua 5

This artwork, part of a collection by New Zealand-born Māori/Dutch artist Monique Jansen, is crafted using sustainably foraged native New Zealand plant matter—a practice known as Toi Whenua, or "art of the land." Each element—whether fallen bark, leaves, or blossoms—has been gathered with care and respect for the environment, embodying the artist's commitment to sustainability and the rhythms of nature.

Monique finds her materials in the native bush near her home, often exploring after storms when nature has left behind treasures. “Nature is constantly leaving gifts for you, all you have to do is seek and you will find,” she reflects. This thoughtful process is not just about creating art, but about engaging deeply with the land and allowing its stories to guide her hand.

This painting is part of a broader philosophy that informs all of Monique’s work, from her sustainable wellness store, Tea & Tonic, to her fashion label MONNI, which repurposes designer fabric ends. “When I create I want it to be a reflection of love in action, crafted in harmony with the whenua (land/earth),” she says. “This series honours the balance of giving and receiving. It’s a reminder that true well-being begins with connection: to nature, to each other, and to ourselves.

Artwork A4 | Oak Frame

Made in Aotearoa, New Zealand.