We are fortunate here at the Greenstone Shop to stock work from some wonderful Carvers here in New Zealand including Allan Moreton, Dean Taylor, Jon Jeet, Peter Tauwhare, Malcolm Hooper, Graeme Wyle, Aden Hoglund, Alex Sands, Andrew McGregor, John Kerwin, and Joshua Tamainu. 

 scroll down to find out more....

ALLAN MORETON - CARVER

Born in Hokitika on the South Island's West Coast, Pounamu country. I am a second-generation Pounamu cutter and carver, who studied the art under my father, Alfred Moreton at the family's Pounamu studio in Ferrymead, Christchurch.

I opened my first carving workshop in 1987 with my father in Ferrymead and have been carving and cutting Pounamu since this time. To this day I still have a carving workshop in Ferrymead.
My work has been featured in the 'International Lapidary Journal' published in the USA, and I have produced many commission pieces for many collectors of Pounamu worldwide.

Many of my sculptures and carvings are shown in 'Te Wahi Pounamu' book with the front cover sculpture highlighting my love and infinity with the Pounamu stone.
I feel my carvings provide an intimate connection with the traditional Maori culture and this is my passion.

 

DEAN TAYLOR - CARVER

Dean has always had a keen interest in stone, for a number of years sold crystals and gem stones at a local market. However, he wanted to work more hands on with the stone and began learning how to make cabochons from variety of gemstones. More and more Dean felt pulled to work with New Zealand sourced stone especially Pounamu as it is so varied and durable.

Pounamu really speaks to him on every level of his being and he believes it’s important to honour that in the work he does. Dean first learnt the art of Toki from Jon Jeet and then developed his skill and became a registered carver with Ngai Tahu as believes this helps with the integrity of the stone and craftsmanship also honours the cultural and ancestral value. Dean's excited to see where this journey takes him.

Dean's a huge believer in giving back to the environment so has spent time volunteering helping injured and sick birds at the South Island Wildlife Hospital to help give back to nature where he can.

 

JON JEET - CARVER

Ko Porongia te māunga Ko Waikato te awa,  Ko Tainui te waka, Ko Te Maawe tōku tīpuna, Ko Maniapoto tōku Iwi, Ko Kahotea tōku marae, Ko Joan rāua ko Richrd ōku mātua,  Ko Jon tōku ingoa

I have spent 99 percent of my life on Ngai Tahu soil, my children come to be from this land, from Invercargill, Greymouth and Christchurch. I myself am  Maniapoto and Indian and mihi being nurtured and feed off Ngai Tahu fruitage.  

I believe that He Pounamu has a different value, an intrinsic, holistic value that is regarded as taonga, not just to Maori but to many New Zealanders. It's the main reason why I love working He Pounamu, I like knowing that the bearer in most instances, treasures her essence and carries her along with them on their journey. 

Thank you kaitaiki for allowing me to carve Waitaiki's essence.
 

 

PETER TAUWHARE - CARVER

Peter Tauwhare’s whakapapa traces back to the Arahura river where he sources much of his stone to work with in his small studio not far away.

Using only the most rudimentary tools he applies his craft with a heartfelt karakia to his Ancestors to guide his hand before he starts to breathe life into his creations.  Incredibly talented Carver with a unique style of seeing what lies beneath the surface of the stone brings this out in an almost Neolithic style that would be hard to match.

I always feel I am looking at something ancient and other worldly when I am holding a piece of his art.

 

ADEN HOGLUND - CARVER

My name is Aden Hoglund. I have been carving since 1988. I first began working with Bone, which gave me the inspiration to continue with this style of art, which then stepped me up into the Jade industry. 

It was from here I had an opportunity to start my own business in carving. I have continued with my ethics of only working with NZ Jade and my designs are a mix of contemporary and traditional styles.

My work has reached all over the world, even to some very well-known individuals, such as, the Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, Prince Richard, Princess Kate Middleton, Lewis Hamilton, well known Film Producers from Lord of the Rings and Spike Lee.

 

GRAEME WYLIE - CARVER 

Graeme has been carving for over 25 years.

After following his passion in carving and jade he was trained by one of New Zealand top carvers in Hokitika. 

Graeme is now working from his workshop in Christchurch where he continues to connect with the stone, his art is recognized all over the world. 

 

  

BARRY DASH

Barry was born and raised on the West Coast. The son of a Jade Carver working in Hokitika 45 years ago. Barry has collected Jade since his early 20s, then went on to learn carving and has been a full-time carver for the last 25 years.

ANDREW McGREGOR

"For me carving Pounamu is a continual journey that has led me to discover much about my heritage and homeland, and a profound respect for this beautiful stone which is as hard as steel." 

Kia ora,

I am a Pounamu carver and Artist of part Ngāi Tahu Descent, originally from the West Coast of the South Island now living in Rural North Canterbury. After learning how to carve in 2005 and earning a Certificate in Jade and hard stone carving, I was offered a job as a full time Jade carver at a large carving studio where I worked for around three years.

Since then I have built up my own workshop and carve a wide range of jewellery designs and sculptural pieces. I am massively inspired by ancient cultures and their art forms, primarily Maori, Celtic, Viking but also Asian and Mesoamercian. Carving Pounamu is an ongoing journey for me and I am always learning and growing.