Q: What type of bone is used?
A: I generally use beef bone. The material is sourced from various grocery stores in the Boston area. These bones are typically used to make soup broth. Many people also buy the bones for their dogs to chew on! I am constantly looking for new material to carve and recently found a supplier with access to antique material from the Aleutian Islands.This partially mineralized Manatee bone has an incredible luster and looks wonderful when carved. Check the Carvings section for designs made from this material.
Q: Where does this type of art come from?
A: These designs are based on the traditional forms of my people; the Maori of New Zealand. They are an art form that reflects the deep connection between all people, the land and the spiritual world that surrounds us.
Q: Who are the Maori people?
A: We are a people of Polynesian descent based in New Zealand. Originally from the islands of the South Pacific we migrated to Aotearoa (New Zealand) thousands of years ago.
Q: Do all the designs mean something?
A: Yes, all the designs have developed from a traditional basis. Many of the meanings have come from myths and stories within our past. Other designs are a contemporary interpretation of the modern world around us.
Q: How are they made?
A: All the designs are carved in my studio here in Boston. I start with beef bone that has been boiled , bleached and then cut into slabs. Each design is then cut out using a variety of hand tools and files. Once the basic form has been shaped I then hand sand each piece using a range of sandpaper grades. When they are finished I lightly buff each design using a felt wheel.
Q: How can I order a design?
All the designs are broken into groups based on the underlying theme of the design. If you find a design you like make note of the reference number i.e. MN K3. On the contact page fill out your information along with this code and I will be touch as to whether is in stock or not. Any design that is not in stock I will make once the order has been processed.
Q: Do you have other designs?
A: Yes, The designs on the website are a sampling of many of the forms that I have but it is not a complete listing. Many of the designs change and develop as I am constantly looking for new forms. If you see a design that you like but it is not quite what you wanted do not hesitate to call or contact me!
Q: What type of payment do you accept?
A: I currently take MasterCard, Visa, cash and cheque. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding payment.
Q: Do you do commissions?
A: Yes, I have done a number of commissions in the past. If you have a design in mind or to create a totally unique design contact me for more details. Custom designs typically take five weeks to complete.
