Last month, I wrote about using ChatGPT to locate Bryan Verey, the carver of the intricate Māori carvings on the red piano and the carved wooden black lacquered lilies and roses that sat on top of a matching grand piano with a paua inlay, both designed and directed by artist Michael Parekōwhai. I was unable to find an image of Bryan on the internet.
Then, as luck would have it, I met the Business Development and Event Manager of Auckland Botanic Gardens & Auckland Domain Wintergardens, Amy Pollard. She kindly looked through their archives and found this photograph of Bryan Verey taken by Chester Nicholls at the opening of the bi-yearly sculptural event with his artwork – a painted wooden carving of a magpie in 2015. ‘Magpie’ sold for $1300 from the indoor exhibition. His outdoor artwork ‘Over the Farm Gate’ of a beady eyed magpie sitting atop a rustic farm gate inscribed with their sound, quoting New Zealand poet Denis Glover, “and ‘Quardle Oodle Ardle Wardle Doodle’ the magpies said.”
As an artist myself, I believe it is important to acknowledge the artisans who work with the artists to realise their visions.
Gael Baldock
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