Sighting logs for wood carving symposium

Published by Maurice van Cooten, posted 5 March 2011

Logs at The Lake House Arts Centre

Logs at The Lake House Arts Centre.

Went to Takapuna today to have a look at the logs we’re going to be carving from the 6th – 16th of April. There’s a selection of native woods such as, Pohutukawa, Kahikatea, Totara, Australian Eucalyptus, Norfolk Pine, and Silky Oak. Some logs measuring a meter in diameter and 6 meters in length.

All wood is going to be blessed with a ceremony performed by Maori, it’s indigenous custom to ask permission from Tane Mahuta (god of the forest) before a tree is cut down. The logs are numbered and artists list their 5 best choices, wood is then balloted. There’s 30 sculptors taking part, the Lake House Arts Centre is a spectacular site for a symposium. Really looking forward to be a part of this event.

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