Paddy Cooper
““I live at the beach at Bay View and have been sculpting driftwood for about five years. There are many factors that attract me to driftwood, from collecting it to sculpting, carving and polishing. I’m first drawn to a piece of wood because of its interesting form, or because I know that it will hold an inner beauty.””
Jeweller/Sculpture
We Love…
Paddy is an artist who has a deep respect for the materials and craft of his practice. Something easily seen in the masterful execution and sensitive working of the forms he creates. The way he accentuates form through the use of light is stunning. ARTFORM.
Currently in the gallery…
Feature
Paddy Cooper has been carving New Zealand native wood and jade (greenstone, Pounamu) for many years. He only sells New Zealand wood and greenstone carvings. 90% of the greenstone in the tourist shops in New Zealand is Canadian jade, carved in China, but Paddy guarantees his to be sourced from only the best quality New Zealand jade. He also only carves and sells New Zealand wood, sourced from driftwood, a wonderful resource of heart native timber and burrwood, that does not harm any living trees.
Paddy was first taught carving by Maori, and his current mentors are both Maori. He is a 6th generation New Zealander, so much of his work has Maori influence. He considers all his pieces to be Taonga, or treasures.
Paddy’s work adorns the homes and offices of people all over the world. About half of his work goes overseas. As well as greenstone Pounamu pendants, Paddy carves larger sculptures out of both greenstone jade and wood.
He is now joined by his daughter, Natasha, who works for him part time, mainly carving and polishing jade. She is a trained jeweller.