I have been extremely privileged to spend several weekends and days with three master carvers and artists; Lyonel Grant (Ngāti Pikiao, Te Arawa), Bernard Makoare (Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa), and Manos Nathan (Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi) in their workshop deep in the Waipoua forest. Documenting the transformation of totara, kauri and clay into more than a dozen large work of arts for Auckland Zoo was an incredible experience. The devotion, hard work and love for their craft that I witnessed was tangible and humbling. Having been invited and welcomed by the artists and their whanau for this journey has been a true gift.
