Sculpture background

Three generations of the Norwood family have been generous benefactors to the Botanic Garden. This sculpture is a memorial to the second generation, Sir Walter and Lady Rana (whose ashes are buried here), erected by their children.

Auckland-based de Boer has worked full-time as a sculptor since graduating from Elam School of Fine Ats in 1986. He is known for his wooden and cast concrete pieces as well as cast bronze works.

De Boer's large bronze casting was inspired in part by a small sculpture with a dancer theme by Bob Bennett, which Lady Rana Norwood had acquired. For the Norwood family, its elegance epitomised their parent's style. De Boer was able to capture this spirit with his unique new work themed on a dancing leaf - one perfectly suited to the location of the memorial.