The Hovding Gallery – Bringing exposure to talented local artists since 2011
When the Hovding Gallery opened in December 2011, another major step was made in the redevelopment of the New Zealand Natural Clothing site and Norsewood as a whole. Beginning in what was once the old dairy company’s bulk loading store, and eventually became a bailing area for offcuts of fabric and woolen yarns by Norsewear, the re-purposed space expanded to include two of the old Norsewear boardrooms.
Inside the old loading store and bailing area you’ll find functional handcrafted furniture and antiques alongside the more grandiose works of Jeff Bryan and other local artists. Striking as it may be, the space is no place for fine art of the more delicate persuasion. Thankfully, the many paintings and smaller hand carved works are presented in the old Norsewear boardrooms. With dozens of paintings by artists from around the Tararua and Hawkes Bay regions, the Hovding Gallery ensures that fine art in a boardroom can be seen by all – and purchased to take home!
Jeff Bryan – Resident Artist and Master Carver at the Hovding Gallery
Jeff Bryan is a trained/qualified master carver able to bring his talents to a multitude of applications. Equally comfortable in working with both traditional and contemporary designs, Jeff often draws influence from both Maori and Celtic techniques and imagery. With heritage from both sides, Jeff carves fusion pieces as unique as the man himself. In additional to the works found in the Hovding Gallery, Jeff dedicates a considerable share of his time to commission pieces.
Whatever your needs may be, Jeff’s talent is sure to create a treasured gift, taonga or remembrance piece. Previous commission pieces include birthday celebrations, farm signs, plaques, and weaponry all personalised.
His main source of media is River Totara and recycled Totara strainers and posts from sheep stations by the coast. The presence of weathering, moss and wire gate dog hardware bring originality to these fantastic works. Jeff joined the Hovding Gallery and New Zealand Natural Clothing team in 2012 after he was commissioned to create the unique multi-directional Totara sign which sits proudly outside our Norsewood South site.
Te Waharoa 0 Norsewood
The development of the Wop Wops Wetland has taken a major step with the installment of the Waharoa. Carved by Jeff it acts proudly as the entrance to the wetland. Waharoa is the Māori word for gateway or main entrance. It also refers to the entrance of a Pā, a fortified Māori settlement.
All the wooden creations throughout the NZNC site and the Wop Wops Wetland Park are hand-crafted in our on-site workshop by Jeff and Phil. A number of Jeff’s works that are displayed outside are available for sale. This obviously doesn’t include the Waharoa though!
Enquirers can be made in the shop or you can contact Jeff about commission pieces directly.
Contact:
Jeff Bryan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiwicarver/
jeff@nznaturalclothing.co.nz
Cell 0278920734
Shop 06 3740897
