I love the euphoric feeling that arises when I see someone, especially a child recognizing an art work and the smile that appears on their face. Through that joy of recognition, I hope to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of our world and especially its creatures that we have the power to protect and nurture. I know when I am ‘in the flow’ as the works that result, capture that spirit, euphoria and fluidity that is part of nature.
Nature and especially wood with its grain and spirit waiting to be discovered often suggest a work, which is then conceptualised and mashed around until eventually, it emerges as a complete entity. Sometimes I will commit it to paper for example if I need to submit an application or need a part fabricated, however most often I will simply collect the materials required and begin work. Each sculpture has its own character and the materials and finishes possible as well as the methods of working them dictate what I choose, be that Bronze, steel, wood, clay, etc. For wood pieces, I prefer to use native hardwoods, which are eco-sourced and worked in the raw fashion of our ancestors with rough tools and fire to create a language within the pieces. When I work with wood I feel as if I am releasing the spirit from within to have a new life, whereas working with bronze is a creation of life and spirit drawn from my heart, blood seat and yes often pain and tears.
My works are influenced particularly by New Zealand culture and environment, tempered by exposure to many different cultures in my travels. A lifetime of tramping trips, starting in the Boy Scouts and continuing to this day has created a close connection with nature made even closer by participating in sports such as Surfing, Kite Surfing as well as playing Tai Chi Ch’uan has given me experience in the power and fluidity of the ocean as well as joy, a feeling which I am trying to capture in my works.
