Stained Glass Light Catchers
Explore standard pieces made to order, past commissioned works, and archive experiments. Each item is individually cut, ground and soldered in Ngaio, Wellington.
Yin Yang
Dimensions: 16cm Diameter
The Yin Yang is from Chinese Philosophy and literally means dark-light or negative-positive, describing how opposite forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent.
Koru
Dimensions: 21 x 10cm
Based on the shape of an unfurling fern frond, representing creation, peace, tranquility, personal growth, positive change and awakening.
Ngaio
Dimensions: 23 x 13cm
Inspired by the Ngaio School crest rope, representing the hills and valleys of Ngaio and the strength achieved by bringing together many strands.
Taranaki Sun / Mt Taranaki (Egmont)
My very first design
Dimensions: 19cm Diameter
The maunga of the maker's children's tribe, Ngarauru, with sun and surf wave incorporating a koru.
Taranaki
Carving adaptation
Dimensions: 18cm Diameter
Adapted from the distinctive Taranaki tribal carving style, featuring the maunga connection on the forehead, sinewy body and arm through the mouth.
Manaia (Spiritual Guardian)
Provider, Protector over air, waters and land
Dimensions: 20cm Diameter
An iwi guardian to ward off danger and frighten away intruders. Depicting two manaia on one body as a good luck charm for special relationships.
Fish Hook & Manaia – Hei-Matau
Dimensions: 20cm Diameter
The Hei-matau represents strength, determination, peace, prosperity and good health, blended with the protective spiritual energy of the Manaia.
Tiki
Standard, Patu & Stylised variants
Dimensions: 23 x 13cm (Std) / 23 x 15cm (Stylised)
Traditional taonga adapted to stained glass. Available in standard form ($300), with patu/mere ($320), or stylised variant ($350).
Tāne Mahuta – Separator of Heaven and Earth
The deity of man, forests and all that dwells within
Dimensions: 19cm Diameter
Depicting Tāne Mahuta thrusting his feet upwards to push Ranginui (sky father) away from Papatūānuku (earth mother), flooding the world with light.
The Spider
40 hours of patient grinding & intricate soldering
Dimensions: 20cm Diameter
First conceived in the 90s and redesigned from scratch. Tests patience and precision with dozens of tiny web segments.
Union Jack
Commissioned light-catcher
Dimensions: Custom
A commissioned flag piece with striking red, white and blue glass work.
A for Affiliated
Corporate logo commission
Dimensions: Custom
Corporate logo commission for Affiliated Insurance Brokers upon 30+ years of retirement.
Monogram Letters (A, K, M, D)
Commissioned for friends' children
Dimensions: Custom
Custom commissioned initials and alphabet pieces crafted for friends' children over the years.
Lightning McQueen
Special made-to-order gift
Dimensions: Custom
A fun technical challenge requiring custom drilling bits for headlights and mouth openings.
Sunflower
Made-to-order gift
Dimensions: Custom
A cheerful departure from traditional motifs with rich amber and golden petals.
Korea – Taekwondo (TKD)
Flag essence & Taekwondo martial spirit
Dimensions: Custom
Combining the iconic red, blue and white colors of the Korean flag with a Taekwondo black belt executing a high kick.
The Moth
Made-to-order creation
Dimensions: Custom
A delicate winged commission with multi-hued wing segments and fine antenna work.
Tree Trio (3D Free-Standing)
Free-standing dimensional stained glass
Dimensions: 3D Free-Standing
Free-standing 3-dimensional stained glass trees made with green textured glass and custom copper foiling joints.
Ulysses Club – Grow Old Disgracefully
Motorcycle rally charity trophy
Dimensions: Custom
Created in December 2005 during a Muscular Dystrophy charity ride from Wellington to Napier.
Rafter Pattern (Kōwhaiwhai)
Ancestral whare roof beam inspiration
Dimensions: Custom
Inspired by ancestral wharenui rafters connecting the maunga to the tipuna. Required intensive grinding and was never repeated.
Windsurfer
Inspired by boardsailing days in Picton
Dimensions: Custom
A windsurfer launching off a wave, inspired by racing sailboards in Picton back in the day.
Surf / Windsurf Taranaki
Acute angles & hanging surfboards
Dimensions: Custom
Stylised Taranaki Maunga and wave with suspended surfboards, experimenting with acute angles.
Early Koru & Swirl Experiments
Before fine grinding heads were obtained
Dimensions: Various
Studies made before acquiring small grinding heads, testing curves, color combinations and waterglass.
Te Papa Carving Study
Inspired by modern museum carvings
Dimensions: Custom
Inspired by modern particle board carvings seen at Te Papa Museum shortly after opening.
Christmas Angels & Walrus
Playful holiday experiments
Dimensions: Small / Various
'I wasn't going to make birds, boats or butterflies... and then I made these!!?? Or at least, some muppet was experimenting with little Christmas Angels.'