Artist Profile
Paddy Cooper
Carving only New Zealand greenstone and native wood, Paddy is a sixth-generation New Zealander who began his craft over 30 years ago. First taught by local Māori, his work has a distinct Māori influence and he considers his pieces to be taonga, or treasures. A love of nature inspires his work and he chooses simplicity in his designs to show off the stone. As well as pendants, Paddy carves larger sculptures out of both pounamu and wood.
Paddy is an artist driven by an immense reverence for his materials and craft and demonstrates his profound respect through the impeccable execution and delicate manipulation of forms in his creations.
A selection of
Paddy's creations
More
Artists
Akapita Scally
As a part of Rotorua’s carving industry for the past decade, Aka has had the privilege of working alongside some of the town’s finest pounamu artists. His designs are notable for their perfect lines and exemplary finishing, and he is particularly skilled at reflecting traditional forms whilst pushing contemporary boundaries. Akapita is from Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangitihi.
James Pirika
After finishing high school, James began his journey in the Mountain Jade studio, learning the foundations of his craft from Tamaora Walker. As an emerging artist finding his way in carving, James always finds it important to reflect on where he started, allowing him to stay humble while acknowledging Tamaora’s guidance throughout his journey. James is from Te Arawa, Ngāti Te Roro o Te Rangi.
