Hepi Maxwell
My carvings, though not of a traditional nature, are based on the gentle, sweeping curves of ancient Maori art.
My introduction into the field of jade carving did not occur by any of the "natural means". I neither inherited an artistic flair from my father, nor did I accomplish a childhood dream.
Instead, a rather bad truck accident cost me both my legs and put me in the situation of either finding an occupation which did not require legwork, or living off the state for the rest of my days.
The latter did not appeal to me and so when the ads column in the local paper invited interviews for potential jade carvers, I, with absolutely no knowledge of carving at all but with absolutely nothing to lose, applied. The job became mine.
I am of Maori descent and have spent most of my life in close proximity to the Maori lifestyle and art forms. Hence my carvings, though not of a traditional nature, are based on the gentle, sweeping curves of ancient Maori art. This puts me in the very satisfying position of being able to produce work pleasing to the eye of both those who prefer to cling to tradition and those who appreciate contemporary styles.
The sale of my work is mainly on a commission basis. I enjoy this very much as it involves people coming to my workshop in search of something extra special. I get to know these people personally and have gained many good friends. It is very satisfying to converse with a person, design, carve and eventually present them with a carving which is "just right".
Another form of commission work which I enjoy very much is carving ornaments for presentation pieces. These larger carvings are mounted either on pieces of natural jade or on native totara wood. In 1982 I carved the trophy for the International Mastermind Competition and a little later carved a large ornament named "Kahurangi Kiwi" which became part of the Kahurangi Exhibition touring the USA, Europe and China.
I have enjoyed carving ornaments for local organisations and several of my pieces have been ordered from the Ministry Of External Relations and Trade for presentation to foreign dignitaries.
I have always had a great desire to travel but until recently have not been able to satisfy that dream. I as told that if I was able to demonstrate carving, I might be able to accompany some overseas exhibitions. That prospect sent me racing to the tool-shed and after some considerable time I emerged and triumphantly presented my wife with the first ever jade-carving workshop-in-a-suitcase.
It worked on the principle of a jack-in-a-box and when it opened a tiny mobile carving unit burst out. My wife, although ever encouraging could not conceal her amusement. Mind you, her mood did change somewhat when she saw several of her kitchen items had taken on a new role in life. Anyway, it worked and that little old suitcase and I have been to Los Angeles (twice), Canada, Hawaii (twice), China and Japan.
Some of my carving career has been very exciting, but of course a lot of my day to day routine involves hard, monotonous work. Unlike many other carvers who can create as a hobby, or when the "mood is right", I must produce good saleable work regularly because the sale of my work supplies the total income of my family. This tends to be quite restrictive, as I must often carve with a view to saleability and customer satisfaction rather than to satisfy the creative urge. The two can combine to a degree but often not completely. So in this situation I have developed and learned to exercise self control. As a family man, I just look at making everything I carve, whether modest or elaborate, good value for money. Then I have the satisfaction of knowing that the local Rotorua person, the elderly Mäori lady or the overseas tourist will be completely satisfied.
Another problem that I have which is closely related to the fact that my carving supports the family, is the availability of jade. It is found only in three rivers on the West Coast of the South Island and of course my disability does not allow me to see it for myself. Therefore I must wait until perfect, flawless, and of course, expensive jade becomes available. It then needs to be transported to Rotorua. When my stocks become low and there is no sign of any jade forthcoming it can be a little worrying. But we have got by so far and intend to carry on doing so.
I feel that my most important goal in life is to assist in providing a pleasant, stable home life for my growing family as we seem to live in a world where such things as Love of God and respect for parents and family life is fast disappearing. This is much to the detriment of society in general. I have come to love working with jade, because by it I am able to care for the ones I love while at the same time produce work that gives me great satisfaction and brings joy to the hearts of others.
Links
Exquisite Jade, Hepi Maxwell's website