John is based in central Auckland, New Zealand, where he lives with his partner and their two children, John is a committed craft artist working at the cutting edge of his field as well as a trained teacher who enjoys demonstrating his craft.
His work is characterised by the use of indigenous materials like pounamu (New Zealand jade), paua shell (abalone) and the distinctive wood from trees like ancient and recovered kauri, puriri, pohutukawa and maire, often in subtle combinations with gilding, or silver or copper inlays. The colours and textures of materials like tapa cloth (Polynesian bark cloth) and Australian jarrah wood reflect the wider region. This fusion of influences and materials is typical of exciting developments in art and craft art around the Pacific Rim.
Most pieces begin as, or refer to, functional forms. A favourite is the large open ceremonial bowl with a wide textured or inlaid rim. Always seeking perfection in form, John approaches his materials with respect and studied craftsmanship.
The New Zealand Prime Minister's Department has chosen John’s work as gifts for foreign Heads of State, and examples are held in private collections around the world. He has received the premier award at a number of national exhibitions, and was recently commissioned by Creative New Zealand to make the annual Creative Places awards.
