Aotea (Great Barrier Island) local Daniel has been passionate about the ocean all his life. "My first memories are of waves & the coast. All things surf & sea - the effortless flow of nature, wind over the water are truly things I love". Find out more about Dan's practise with us below.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE / HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART PRACTICE?
I make a range of ocean inspired artwork from copper. I am a copper artist.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN - WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR THE ARTS COME FROM?
I started woodworking and bone carving at high school when I was 14, working with hand tools and making things was just so much fun to me.
HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR CRAFT?
Woodwork classes at school taught me how to use hand tools and some basic techniques of design, then I set up my own small workshop at home and started experimenting with bone and woodcarving, the great thing about bone carving and woodcarving is that you hardly need any equipment to get going, so it’s really easy to get into.I just taught myself how to do it mostly.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AS AN ARTIST?
The ocean and nature is where my inspiration comes from. Its the perfect balance of beauty, form and function.
WHAT ARE THE THEMES/IDEAS/INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR ARTWORKS?
The ocean is just so captivating to me, patterns on shells, the way its creatures move with such seemingly effortless power and grace.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Wake up, have a couple of coffees while I help get my little boy ready for school, then get started on whatever copper work needs doing. Go for a surf if the waves are up or a walk on the beach if I need to get out of the house for a break.
WHAT IS YOUR STUDIO/CREATIVE SPACE LIKE?
I work from home and my workspace is in the house, it’s pretty small so it’s very functional and well organised.
WHAT'S YOUR COFFEE ORDER? WHAT SNACKS KEEP YOU GOING?
Flat white. I have a real thing for Indo mie instant noodles when I’m running out of steam.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING & LIVING IN AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND)?
I love how I’m never too far from the sea wherever I go.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION OR LEGACY TO BE AS AN ARTIST?
It is possible to make a living off doing something you love.
WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING WITH THE POI ROOM?
I feel The Poi Room is one of the best Galleries in New Zealand, very friendly and professional to work with and so passionate about what they do, I feel very lucky to be one of the artists they represent.
Thanks so much for your time, Daniel!
