James Cannon • Future Primitive NZ
My name is James Cannon, an award-winning New Zealand artist and sculptor based in Taumarunui. My journey began through Te Toi Whakairo, where I was traditionally trained by Kaiako Kenny Jones, before continuing my studies under Master Carvers Te Kuiti Stewart and Hohepa Peni at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, graduating with excellence in 2013. After years immersed in whakairo and creating public artworks, my artistic journey evolved into large-scale recycled metal sculpture and imaginative contemporary creations. Combining craftsmanship, storytelling, and imagination, I transform forgotten materials into unique artworks that celebrate creativity, connection, and transformation — continuing an evolving artistic legacy.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Leaping Marlin: Setting up my 'Fossicked & Found' Exhibition

Artist James Cannon installing his large hand-carved wooden marlin sculpture upright for the Fossicked & Found exhibition.

So I thought it was time to create something a bit different, so I decided to make a marlin sculpture that looks like it's leaping up out of the water! It was a really fun project, though I had to build a pulley system in my shed to lift and maneuver it.

The size was awkward, but I slowly built it up piece by piece. Making a scale model beforehand was a huge help. Here's a picture of me installing it for my new 'Fossicked & Found' exhibition, where it will be displayed upright!

No comments:

Post a Comment

BIRDS / MANU B WHAKAIRO & CARVING W PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS & WORKS P ILLUMINATED / FUTURE WORKS I RECYCLED METAL SCULPTURE M EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS E