Sculptor Anton Forde often feels he is in another world when he creates in stone. His knowledge comes from the ancestral fusion of two worlds- the ancient world of the Celts and our own homeland, Aotearoa.
His magic is shaped out of carefully sourced ancient pounamu which are selected by Anton for their uniqueness, quality, and a feeling of connection. Some of these are stones that find their way from deep crevasses below the earth’s crust to the clean pristine waters such as those of the Dorothy Falls in the beautiful West Coast of the Kōhatu Te Wai o Pounamu (South Island) of Aotearoa. The completed works of art are priceless Taonga referencing Anton’s connection to places of home, sea, sky and birds, creating heirlooms for future generations.
Anton (Ngāti Ruanui, Gaelige, Gaelic, English) holds a Masters of Māori Visual Arts with First Class Honours from Toioho ki Āpiti/Massey University. His connection to the land, the majesty of nature, and a fascination with themes that are universal to ‘first nation’ cultures are the greatest influences on his work. Anton has since spent extended periods living in his Nanna’s (Taranaki – Ngati Ruanui – Iwi Taranaki) part of the country, with the majestic Maunga Taranaki ever-present, and in Ireland where he discovered ancient inspirational art themes.
Anton has a number of significant public works in public and private collections both in New Zealand and overseas.
Anton will have works in one of the eight houses on the Tour.
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