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Animal Families in Netsuke
Animal groups have always been a common subject in Netsuke, whether it be a battle between rivals, groupings of zodiac signs or other symbolic or thematic groupings. One that I’ve always loved is that of the animal family. From back in the 18 century, Kyoto artist Tomotada carved subjects like shishi with their young or ...
Mouse and Persimmon Commission
Recently I finally finished this commission. I was asked to do just before I had an issue with the median nerve in my right hand an had to stop carving for much of 2023. So it is a great relief to get it done on three levels. Firstly that my had has healed enough to ...
Prince Takamado Netsuke Collection – A 20th Anniversary Exhibition
From 15 November and the 25 December 2022 the Tokyo National Museum held a 20th anniversary exhibition dedicated to the memory of His Imperial Highness Prince Takamado where his complete netsuke collection was displayed. Here are some images of my work on display at the exhibition along with some general views of the exhibition. Photos ...
The Rewards of Commissions
After recently finishing a commission I was reflecting on the challenges and rewards involved. The goal is to please the customer and still maintain your artistic integrity which can sometimes be difficult. Commission that come about because the customer relates to the artist’s style and gives them a lot of trust are usually the most ...
Fashion and Fantasy: The Art of Netsuke Carvings
Running from February 12, 2022 - April 17, 2022 at the beautiful Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, Oregon, USA, this exhibition shows work from the netsuke collections of James R. Coonan, Denise C. Bates and Lurline C. Menzies. It also includes a display titled 'Making Headway - Netsuke of Today' which features ...
2021 Deacon University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award Rescheduled
Unfortunately due to the current lockdown in Melbourne the '2021 Deacon University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award' has had to be rescheduled for later in the year. The exhibition will now open to the public from Tuesday 16 November until Wednesday 15 December.
2021 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award
I'm pleased to announce I've been selected as a finalist for the 2021 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award with my work titled 'Mother's Love'. Finalist's works will be on display from 13 September – 22 October at the Deakin University Art Gallery, Building FA, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria 3125. https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/locations/campuses/melbourne-burwood/art-gallery
Mother’s Love – four stages of carving
Here is a short video showing four stages of carving the netsuke titled 'Mother's Love' carved in 2021. The stages shown start from after the rough carving is done through until the netsuke has had inlays added and it is stained and polished.
The Oceans Influence
Over the years much of my work has been influenced by and based around the theme of the ocean and especially waves. Much of my formative years were spent at the beach surfing which is where I gained an appreciation the power, energy and moods of the ocean and the waves it produces. Later when ...
The 25th Contemporary Netsuke Exhibition at Yokohama Takashimaya Department Store
The 25th Exhibition of Contemporary Netsuke will be held at the Yokohama Takashimaya Department Store, Yokohama, Japan, from 11-17th of November. Works from approximately 40 netsuke artists will be on display. I will be exhibiting the piece pictured here titled 'Fleeting Moment (opus 3)', an abstract netsuke reflecting on transience in nature. Made from cotoneaster ...