Page 56 - Australian Wood Review №103 2019
P. 56
PROFILE
Chasing Lines
An interview with wood sculptor Hape Kiddle reveals some of his
design influences and work processes. Story by Linda Nathan.
ometimes I’m simply lost in It was enjoyable to hear about Hape’s What draws you to wood?
‘Sform,’ said wood sculptor background and some of the things
Hape Kiddle, 46 a few months ago that drive his thought and technical There’s a resonance there, something
when I phoned him to learn more processes. Here is a summary of that just feels connected. I’ve worked in
about his work. It’s not hard for the some of the questions asked and the other materials – I’m a goldsmith and
viewer to also get lost in the fluid and replies given. worked in jade as well – but everything
meditative quality that defines his else is secondary to wood for me.
work. Spirals and coils that remind Who is Hape Kiddle?
of tendrils and unfurling plant forms Have you always carved wood? When
reveal a deep connection to nature When you work in the arts the did you start?
that extends to the stylised whales, idea of always defining yourself is
fish, birds and even human imagery always interesting. I actually refer I’ve been playing with carving since
that also appear. to myself as a maker. I’m more of a I was six and a half, carving pumice
sculptor who works in timber rather near the Rangitikei and Hautapu
These are forms that tell stories, that than a traditional woodworker, but rivers where I grew up. I was always
glow with the kind of ‘simplicity’ I’m incredibly passionate about fascinated by the traditional Maori
that only technical mastery and clear timber and trees and making carving back home but it wasn’t until
artistic focus can achieve. natural forms. I studied furniture making at the
56 Australian Wood Review
