Abundance & Unity

Materials

Mātai heartwood can be a yellowish colour when cut fresh, although it darkens to a dark reddish brown when exposed to sunlight. The timber could be confused with Rimu on first look, but Mātai wood tends to have more pronounced growth rings. Mātai is also strong smelling when first cut.

Mātai can be found extensively throughout lowland forests, with heights of up to 25-30 metres recorded. Older more mature Mātai is a sought after wood as it is one of the highest and finest grades of native species. Mātai is revered for high yields of heartwood timber that is clear and has an attractive finish.

Artist Notes

The artist of this piece is Davey McGhie, he has been a part of many exhibitions across New Zealand. He is currently situated in Titahi Bay and is an art educator as well as an artist. He has been a part of some of New Zealand's largest sculpture exhibits. His education involves a Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts, and more recently he has become a lecturer at Whiteria Community Polytechnic.

He has been involved in many different schools and community arts groups in the Wellington district. His other talents and out of work hobbies include, song writing, performing in rock bands, and horticulture. All of which serve to contribute via life experiences, to his art practice. Davey McGhie has been noted for his intuitive approach to art and especially the materials used in his work.\