A Day in the Workshop
Recently, I had the privilege of sharing my workshop with Paul, a father of one of my close friends. Paul had been fossicking for pounamu on the beaches of the West Coast and arrived with an incredible collection of serpentine pounamu in a stunning array of colours and qualities. His excitement was contagious as he eagerly laid out his finds, curious to see what lay hidden within.
We spent the day cutting into some of the larger stones, revealing the vibrant and unique patterns inside. It’s always a moment of magic, seeing the raw, weathered exterior give way to the deep greens, swirling patterns, and translucent hues that define pounamu. Paul’s enthusiasm for the process was remarkable. Watching him sanding and polishing his beach treasures, it was clear he was in his element. I remember him grinning as he exclaimed, “This is so addictive! I’m going to have to start doing this at home. It just keeps getting better!”
Using some of the smaller pebbles, we crafted a series of pendants together. Paul’s joy in seeing the pieces take shape and his connection to the process made the day special for both of us. From one of the larger cobbles, Paul commissioned me to carve a set of taonga for his whānau and a close friend: two Roimata and three Toki.
- Roimata: These teardrop-shaped pendants symbolise healing, comfort, and the flow of emotions. They carry the mana of aroha and are often gifted to signify support and care.
- Toki: Traditionally a tool of strength and skill, the Toki has come to symbolise leadership, courage, and determination. The three Toki we created were tailored for Paul and two others, representing their individual strengths and the values they hold dear.
It was a privilege to share Paul’s journey of discovery and creativity. His enthusiasm for working with pounamu, his deep appreciation for its beauty, and his dedication to creating meaningful taonga for his loved ones made the day unforgettable. I feel honoured to have been part of this process, helping to shape his finds into treasures that carry meaning and connection for his whānau.
