Kauri Cliff Gallery

About

Original Kauri sculpture created by award-winning artist, Tony Howse. Tony's gallery is located in Whangamata, Coromandel, NZ

Story

Tony Howse was born in Takaka, Golden Bay in the South Island of New Zealand. He now resides in the seaside town of Whangamata, where his studio is open to the public most of the year. The Coromandel has been his home for the last 35 years and has been a major influence in his exploration of sea life and the coastal landscape through his Kauri wood sculptures.
Tony began sculpting 26 years ago and was inspired by family friend and renowned artist, Rei Hamon. He has exhibited and won awards many times over the past years in galleries and art shows throughout New Zealand. Private collectors in Europe, America and Japan have acquired most of his work to date.
Having developed his own distinctive, freeform style, Tony’s current works reflect his appreciation of the modern art movement, including the work of sculptors Henry Moore, Naum Gabo and the timeless beauty of works by Barbara Hepworth.
Tony is driven as an artist by his ability to see wood and stone in its raw form and visualise the artwork within the piece. He derives great pleasure in enabling people to see the hidden beauty that lies there, particularly within native and exotic timbers.
“Having lived by the sea all my life, influences my choice in the sculpture I bring to the form. I love to fuse the natural rhythm of the ocean with the true form of the wood.”

"Kauri Sculpture at its finest - by award winning sculptor Tony Howse.Tony has been sculpting NZ native timber for over 30 years and his favourite is the majestic Kauri Tree. His appreciation and knowledge is reflected in his works, sculpting beautiful Kauri artworks and decorative furniture that embrace New Zealand's natural environment and cultural history. Conservation lies at the heart of everything Tony does.Appointments to the gallery are welcome, but not necessary. Guided tours are available.Tony also offers sculpting classes once a month for a group of two. 1-on-1, you learn how to see what shape that is hidden within a piece of wood, sculpt it and polish it. And at the end of the day, you take home your very own piece of art!"