The Artist
I have been carving for eight years and have been attending symposiums for around four years. The third year I attended the Matamata symposium where I carved the renowned piece called Gollum from the Lord of the Rings. It now stands in the main street in front of the Hobbitown sign. I also have a piece that is on the main street of Tokoroa. Tokoroa talking poles is held every two years, they employ artists from New Zealand and overseas. They commissioned me to carve a piece of Adersite hard stone from Maratoto in Thames which I called Motherearth. This depicts the different cultures that make up the town of Tokoroa.
I have attended many other symposiums including Hamilton South Island Picton Coromandel and Whakatane. I enjoy working with others and sharing ideas and skills wifh like minded people. I also appreciate public opinion. Some symposiums have themes which I enjoy because I am able to study pictures and then try to find the rock which will allow me to achieve what I can visualise.
My family and my environment are very important to me. We have lived in Oropi Tauranga for the past eight years. My home is situated on the edge of protected virgin bush which has kiwi and other beautiful NZ birds. I feel very lucky and honoured to be able to call this sacred place my home and to be able to bring my children up here where the air is clean and the water is pure. I will be a grandfather soon which I am looking forward to having a new life in our lives. 
I like to be organic and spray free when possible as I feel there are far too many chemicals in our environment which speed up the process of life but in turn destroys life.
I like to ride my motorcycle as this gives me a great sense of freedom and inspiration.
German shepherds are my dog of choice as I find them very loyal and loving company as well as being guard dogs.