The majority of my work is through commissions because generally as soon as I complete a piece it sells. However I do occasionally have a few finished pieces available for sale, or in an exhibition.
My work is commissioned by both private collectors and corporate / governmental organisations, Maori and non-Maori.
To commission a work, the process is:
You contact me with a request for a piece, you may have in mind what you want it to represent, or have seen something on my website that you like the look of.
Sometimes people will provide me with an image particular to their culture / family, and I can create a Maori interpretation of it.
We will discuss the size, materials, intention for the work, who it is for etc. This may take place over the phone or by email.
Then I will provide you with an image and my thoughts on what the carving will be like. A quote for the work and any shipping charges will be given. On acceptance of the design and the quote the carving will commence. A deposit will be required at this time.
When the piece is completed I will talk to you in-depth about the meaning of the carving, the symbols on it etc. I can also provide a summary of this in writing.
The carving will then be given to you directly, or shipped to you upon receipt of payment.
Examples of commissions
An Italian doctor living in NZ provided me with a photo of his family crest. He wanted me to create a Maori interpretation utilising the crests key design elements.
The central figure is Tane – the God of the Forest, the figures on each side are Manaia – protective guardians, the 3 top spirals are celestial beings.
This was commissioned as a 21st birthday gift for a girl of Maori, Cook Island & Celtic heritage.
A family elder provided me with the ancient story of their people that I have told in this carving. The family provided me with their own wood, pearls and whalebone, which I used to represent her combined heritage.
A couple wanted a presentation stand for a traditional Maori weapon they had received as a wedding gift. The only information I had was where they were from in NZ.
I created a piece that enabled the jade to be displayed on the wall. The male and female figures are carved in the style of the area they are each from.