In 1986 and 1987 I spent ten months in New Zealand. At the time I had been making furniture and cabinets professionally for 13 years. In New Zealand I met sculptor Rich Penziner who’s free-form sculptures influenced me to try creating some pure forms in wood.

A collection of Maori art and artifacts was at the time touring the country. I was fascinated with the grace and balance of these beautifully decorated utilitarian objects. I was inspired to create objects that held some of that utilitarian charm but had no actual use. The pieces were shown at several galleries in Christchurch, and several remain in my collection.