Owen Mapp to be special guest in Bone Carving Workshop

Owen Mapp, internationally renowned bone carver will be a special guest at a workshop in Taranaki this Easter weekend. The national workshop is being held by a group of local artists hoping to revive the art. 

A hobby carver for 35 years, Mike Brown is keen to get more people involved. Brown says the idea is to get the people away from their busy and demanding lives for a few days and allow them to draw from the inspiration of the natural beauty of North Taranaki with its energetic coast, farmland, river and bush, and to just have a great time with like-minded people. “Creating beautiful objects with your hands brings great balance to your life.” 

Brown said the Easter bone carving workshop at Mokau is a rare opportunity for the public to meet Owen, view his pieces and watch him at work. He said Owen is New Zealand’s most prominent carver with 50 years experience and travels each year to both exhibits internationally and to teach. The carvers, Brown said ranges from beginner to professional. “It is a workshop for everybody, regardless of experience and ability, with equipment being provided for beginner carvers.” He said the carvers were keen to talk about their carvings.