Karen Walters

‘Whenua’ encompasses more than just physical land; it extends to the essence of birth, life, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It’s the earth, the trees, the rivers and everything bound by a natural Mauri (life-force) that sustains us and allows us to live and thrive. These pods have been sculpted out of Totara lodged in a northland river for over a 100 years. The natural process of soaking in the mineral rich waters of NZ has enhanced the richness of the timber. The ceramic ‘seeds’ encased inside are formed from earth born clay and glazed with natural minerals which provide a speckled egg-like aesthetic. These ‘Whenua Pods’ represent connection to nature, new life, a sense of journey and growth.

Karen Walters is a contemporary sculptor based in New Zealand, drawing on her Māori and European heritage to inform her practice. Grounded in a profound connection to the whenua (land) her work is imbued with the essence and vitality of the New Zealand landscape, offering nuanced reflections on the human condition.

Utilising both bronze and native timber as her primary mediums, Walters demonstrates a meticulous approach to the detail in her work. Her selection of resilient hardwood such as Swamp Kauri for dimensional manipulation underscores her commitment to creating timeless works, while her investment in lost wax casting yields exquisitely crafted bronze pieces.

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