Collection: Daniel Wright

Daniel Wright is a Tauranga-based sculptor with over 37 years of experience grounded in craft, material exploration, and a deep connection to the natural world. His visual language was shaped by the rugged West Auckland landscapes of his youth, from the dense bush to the wild coastlines of Piha and Karekare.

Wright’s journey began with woodwork and bone carving, where he developed a lifelong affinity for refined surfaces and organic curves. After years of working with timber and bone while balancing manual trades and a nomadic surfing lifestyle, he transitioned to copper. He found the metal uniquely aligned with his sensibilities soft, responsive, and organic. He values how the material’s patina and oxidation record the passage of time, much like the varied grains of the timbers he once carved.

Today, Wright uses hand tools and traditional techniques to create repeatable, sustainable forms. His work seeks to echo, rather than imitate, nature. These pieces invite quiet engagement, offering a sense of flow and timeless stillness designed to be lived with over time.