The Quiet Strength Of Nature For Modern Times

John excavated the root system for this work in the mid 1990’s.  After cleaning it, he waited about eight years just for it to dry and be workable. It took another 2 years to sculpt the seat from the bulb of the ancient root system.  Inspired by the shape and grain of the wood, John left many natural features. The balance of art and nature in this work is stunning, and this much-loved piece is now available for sale.

The gallery at the bottom of the page shows you back of the seat.

‘Growth rings’ here show that the tree was around 760 years old when the trunk fell and it has been preserved by natural mineral salts in peat swamp lands for around 32,000 years! 

When you sit on the Seat of Our Ancestors, or simply run your hand along a groove – you are feeling not just the expression and deep respect this artist has for nature, but the presence of something deeply ancestral. You cannot help but become calmer and re-connect with the peace of nature… this is what John wants to remind us all of…’that we are simply a part of and connected with nature’…

Presently the Seat Of Our Ancestors is located at the Little Oneroa Sculpture Garden, Little Oneroa, Waiheke Island where you are welcome to visit anytime!