About me - Joe

I carve Jade and other natural materials – crafting memorable wearable sculptures – in my small workshop by the northern shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee and foothills of the White Mountains, Sandwich Range and Red Hills of Northern New Hampshire. These creations are available to you here at ofpangea.com and in galleries throughout New England.

With a lifetime of creating art using natural materials including antler & sandstone and knowing that gemstone fossicking and carving was in my lineage –  sculpting stone seemed destined for me. The alignment happened after receiving a pounamu jade necklace from my father in 2010 while studying in Aotearoa New Zealand. Following a series of events, the karakia came to fruition as I returned in January 2020 to Aotearoa for several years to study carving under several master carvers, predominately Māori – sharing their knowledge of whakairo. Focused primarily on pounamu, I absorbed as much as I could. But as someone who is neither kiwi nor Māori, I continue to improve my knowledge and respect of te reo Māori, and to strengthen my understanding and respect (whakaute / manaakitanga) for te ao Māori (the Māori world) and especially kaitiakitanga (guardianship, stewardship and protection for the natural world (te taiao)— the land (whenua), water (wai), forests, and resources—for future generations).

Thank you and acknowledgment to carvers who have offered me guidance, mentorship and supported my education: Hohepa Barrett (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Porou, and Te Āti Awa iwi), Michael Loach (Ngahere & Waitahanui, Tuhou – Murapara, Kings road –Tonga, & McGregor name of Scotland), Alex Sands (Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa iwi, England, Scotland, & Ireland), Steve Gwaliasi (Solomon Islands), Brian Woodward (Australia turned kiwi), & Colin Davidson (Ngāi Tahu - Te Runanga O WaeWae) and Katene Campbell (Poutini Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Waewae hapu of Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, and Nga Ruahine). 

When pounamu finds you, it becomes a taonga (treasure) and is a token rich with tradition & mauri (life force). I continue to carve small amounts of pounamu from my personal collection as well as other nephrite jades and jadeites from around the world.