Neil Brown

Neil Brown is an Auckland based carver of Pounamu, the treasured stone commonly referred to as Greenstone, but also correctly identified as New Zealand Nephrite Jade.
Discovered by Maori, Pounamu was used to make tools and adornment until the introduction of steel by Europeans in the eighteenth century, following which its use declined.
A gradual renaissance of Pounamu carving started in the 1960's, spurring on a group of artisans primarily influenced by traditional Maori design, who then strove to develop new sculptural forms that reflected the changing culture of the times.
Commencing his career in the mid 1970's, Neil Brown approaches four decades of experience mastering Pounamu carving. Superlative works of both adornment and sculpture bridge traditional and strikingly modern design.