Dave Taylor

Inspired by nature, Māori iconography and purakau (story telling), Dave’s works are highly adorned and engraved with intricate and detailed patterns.

Dave has been carving for close to 40 years and holds a diploma in Whakairo through Te Wānanga O Aotearoa. He sculpts and engraves predominantly found objects to produce items such as necklaces, ear pieces, heru (hair combs), hei matau (fish hooks) and flutes, also large sculptural works. Dave’s finished works are often dictated by the original form and features of that object. He works in a range of media including, basalt, andesite, pounamu, Oamaru limestone, rakau (wood), whale and cow bone, whale teeth, paua and mother of pearl shell. He is a fulltime sculptor and jeweller and works from his studio at the Quarry Arts Centre in Whangārei.

David has also been involved with numerous sculpture symposia... Whangārei Sculpture symposium, Whangarei Quarry Gardens ‘Sculpture North’, Te Kupenga (New Plymouth), Orakei (Tāmaki Makaurau), Raglan art trail, Ngakau (Thames), as well as national and international exhibitions; Mini Masterworks (Spirit Wrestler Vancouver), Auckland art fair, Māori Market (Porirua).

"One of my favourite things as an artist, is to transform pieces of precious and semi-precious materials into objects of significance to the wearer."

"Expressions of love or pieces of history, iconography imbued with Mauri (life force)"

David is also interested in the healing ability of art as therapy and has shared his skills as a tutor for a number of years in the mental health sector.

 “Within all of us creativity dwells, as an art practitioner I guess it's my task to ignite some kind of inspirational fire in the observer, I encourage people to look within themselves creatively, it can be quite joyous."

David’s recent works can be viewed either at his studio or displayed at Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Herekino St, Whangārei.

Rebinding and taonga repairs are also part of his practice and he is happy to discuss individual commissions large or small.

Contact

ph; 022 6766473 or email; toroakoha@hotmail.co.nz