WHAT IS YOUR ARTISTIC PRACTICE?
We make everything from jewellery & adornments to sculptures, musical instruments, as well as, traditional weapons. Using materials from precious metals to Pounamu, wood, bone, shell &, precious New Zealand stones.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I now mostly administration & do the marketing, but occasionally I get to make a special piece!
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN - WHERE DID THIS PASSION FOR THE ARTS COME FROM?
I am of Maori descent from the tribe Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, & of European descent from England, Scotland &, Ireland. I was raised in Aotearoa & for a time in China. It was while I was in China, that was when my love for soft stone carving began. I carved small intricate things with basic tools, files &, small chisels. Since the age of 12 years old, I have been inspired by the jade creations of the world & the jade creations of my Māori ancestors.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AS AN ARTIST?
As previously mentioned, the early inspiration in my life has given rise to my life’s passion for jade; sourcing jade, exploring jade, creating in jade, & other mediums. Sands Carving Studio is the culmination of my passion!
WHAT TYPE OF COFFEE DO YOU DRINK - LONG BLACK, FLAT WHITE? OR ARE YOU MORE OF A HERBAL TEA DRINKER?
I am definitely a gumboot black tea drinker!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING / WORKING IN AOTEAROA?
Our culture & beauty hidden within the nature of our land.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN IF NOT AN ARTIST?
I would have wanted to be an Archeologist or a Palaeontologist!
DESCRIBE YOUR STUDIO SPACE TO US, PLEASE.
Our jade studio has been restored from an old garage building, into three parts our production area where we have our saws, grinders polishers & carving areas as well as a couple of jewellery benches where the magic happens with the gold & silver. Then we have our lounge / kitchen area & our storage area where we do our laser engraving & packaging.
HOW HAS YOUR WORK CHANGED OVER TIME?
As I've grown & learnt more & more, my work as become more refined & experimental.
WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING WITH THE POI ROOM?
I really like how professional & friendly The Poi Room Team are, I like it's excellent use of social media & its very slick style! Kai Pai!
