I have been sculpting as a hobby since 2005. My first experience
of hebel as a sculpting medium was at a Home Show in Hamilton. I
saw a display which featured hebel as a construction material with
some examples of its use in an artistic way. After some
conversation I realised it had potential as a carving material for
a group of people I was working with as a learning facilitator.
This gave me an opportunity to experiment and learn about the
characteristics of hebel. From that time on I have developed my own
skills and techniques. I enjoy the ease of sculpting blocks and
slabs into creative pieces of art.
I also work with Hinuera Stone which is a sandstone mined near
Hinuera in the Waikato region. Hinuera Stone provides different
challenges and is not restricted in size and shape.
I began by making pieces to place around my home and to give as
gifts. These were small until I became more confident with
the sort of results I could obtain. There were many mishaps and odd
looking pieces of work but slowly I grasped the characteristics of
hebel and discovered my solutions to the challenges it
provides.
I find the local arts and craft markets a good place to sell my
work. I enjoy the interaction with people and the opportunity
to discuss with people pieces they would like made.