Timeless Land

Book excerpt: Timeless Land is a unique collaboration between three of New Zealand's most steadfast and individual talents: painter Grahame Sydney, poet Brian Turner and writer Owen Marshall. Much of their best and most enduring work has grown out of their deep attachment to, and familiarity with, the essence of the memorable landscapes of the Central South Island. This is the fourth edition of a much-loved and distinguished book. When first published in 1995, many of Grahame Sydney's paintings were being seen for the first time. A second book The Art of Grahame Sydney has received much critical acclaim and it won the Reader's Choice Award and the 2000 Montana Book of the Year Award. A reprint of this popular book is timely, as that magnificent Central Otago landscape remains under threat from a proposed windfarm. Turner, Sydney, Anton Oliver et al won their battle in the Environment Court, which ruled that the landscape of Central Otago was too iconic to be thus modified, but now an Appeal by Meridian is being held. Former AB captain, Fairfax head and Stop Project Hayes supporter David Kirk has written a preface for this new edition. Couldn't be a better time to have it in the market. When this book was first published in 1995 many of Sydney's painting were being seen for the first time and Owen Marshall and Brian Turner were considered 'regionalists' and certainly weren't the names they are today. Timeless Land was released at a time when the then Minister for Treaty Negotiations, Sir Douglas Graham, was telling New Zealanders that Maori had more feeling for the land: the response to Timeless Land was phenomenal. And it continues to be as relevant now as then. As one reviewer put it: 'This book has considerable value now and the potential to accrue more with time.'