Mike Brown

I work exclusively in bone. It is organic, coming from an animal that has walked this earth – it has that animal’s DNA within it – it is a living thing. When I am working that porous bone, my DNA (blood sweat and tears!) joins that of the animal. When it is worn by the owner for whom it has been bought or gifted, their DNA is absorbed also. A piece of bone that has been handled with respect and fashioned with love and skill becomes a ‘living’ thing. It has wairua (spirit) and the owner feels a connection to the object which helps complete them as a person – it is a true taonga. I love it when one of my pieces finds a home - the circle is complete.