Post #552166 by Paipo on Sat, Sep 4, 2010 3:27 PM

First things first - big thanks to TikiG, GROG, seeks, meheadhunter, surfin, Kinny, Ben, KAHAKA, Laojia, Dave LS, Clarita, Tama and coconuttzo. Glad you all liked the new stuff, it's not as frequent as it used to be but I do try to go for quality over quantity these days.

Well onto recent events...many of you may have heard we had a HUGE quake here over the weekend...it was on the other side of the island to where Tama & I are living, but still felt strongly here and we were all woken at 4:30am Saturday morning. The timing was a godsend really as despite the massive destruction in Christchurch city, as far as anyone knows there were no fatalities. With all of the huge rubble piles on the city's major commercial street this would definitely have claimed lives if it had occurred during business hours. Nearly all of my family live "over the hill" in Chch but apart from lots of broken housewares and a huge scare everything is OK.
Others weren't so lucky yesterday...NZ's worst plane crash in several years claimed 9 lives way down south on our side of the island (glacier country) and we and some of our friends have connections to some of the victims involved through school and the arts scene.
So, all in all, a really shitty day for many people in the South Island. Makes you grateful for being alive, warm and safe with family when something like this happens.

Back at home, work continues on in the Paipo studio regardless of crazy spring weather (rain, hail, snow) and recent tragic events.
Two new pieces for your viewing pleasure, with one more not quite finished that will be posted in another day or two (promise!)

The latest incarnation of one of my signature designs: The Navigator

Lots of hours in this one...I'd forgotten how much hand finishing is involved in a pendant this big. Having a lovely assistant helps:

:)

Next up, another oldie from the box that was drawn up many years ago but underwent major revision/redrawing during carving. Less trad and more contemporary...
Rua Tangaroa

That's all for now....see you in November!*

*just kidding...new (and very cool) piece coming in another few days!