How do I go about ordering a custom timber sculpture?

Commissions are most welcome and the process is easy.

Simply make contact via the form below, via phone or you are welcome to visit my gallery and we can discuss your idea or concept along with the budget and timeframe for delivery.

Drafting & Design

The design process is a collaboration so the finished sculpture is a unique reflection of your vision. The size, timber, and finishes are considered and I can provide a basic sketch of the form of the sculpture if required. I will advise you of the cost and any deposit arrangements.

The Build Process

I will advise you when I begin work on your sculpture, and keep you up to date on progress. If any unforeseen design changes are required, we will discuss options before proceeding. I can provide photos of the ongoing construction as I endeavor to have your your sculpture finished within the agreed timeframe.

Handover & Delivery

Upon completion, I will provide photos of your sculpture for your approval, and we can arrange payment. I can deliver within a reasonable distance of Tauranga, or you can uplift your sculpture personally. If shipping is required I can advise costs, or you can arrange this yourself. Packaging in bubble wrap, cardboard, then an MDF crate, will ensure your sculpture arrives to you in excellent condition.

We first discovered Kevin's talent at Sculptures in the Park (a fundraising sculpture display in Devonport) 

The item was the 'seagulls on a jetty' - this piece really captured our eye for the realism and individuality, in fact every seagull was carved differently, we acquired the piece on the spot and had many hours of enjoyment looking at this wonderful piece of art.

The comments from friends 2 years later still blows us away - subsequently we have commissioned Kevin to do other pieces for us and every piece has far exceeded our expectations.

I have no doubt when Kevin's work is recognized more widely - he will become very well known and his works will become very sought after.”

— Eric Faesenkloet

Lets Talk

Feel free to contact me on +64 21 297 7821, drop into the Gallery or leave me a message below and I will be in touch to help discuss the process.

Kevin McCardell

Born in 1958 in the Waikato region of New Zealand, I spent my formative years in Rotorua and received my education there. Following that, I embarked on a fulfilling career in the New Zealand Police, dedicating 12 years of my life to public service. However, I eventually opted for early retirement and explored various occupations before discovering my passion for carving. It has been three decades since I began this artistic journey.

Inherently practical and shaped by my realistic experiences, my artistic focus lies in creating sculptures that capture a lifelike essence while embodying the intricate details that constitute our reality. One aspect that captivates me is clothing, as it serves as a medium through which we express ourselves, showcase our culture, convey our emotions, and sometimes shape how the world perceives us.

Clothes hold personal significance, molded by our unique experiences and individuality. A new coat may be just a garment, but a weathered, worn coat becomes imbued with the stories and history of its previous owner. Through my sculptural work, I strive to capture the essence of clothing, whether it be the flirtatious femininity of lingerie, the down-to-earth practicality of coats, the comforting feeling of home evoked by a jacket hanging by the door, or the relaxed Kiwi vibe of a summer spent at the beach. By evoking these emotions, my sculptures allow viewers to identify with the artwork and, perhaps, discover a connection to their own selves.

For my sculptures, I predominantly utilize New Zealand Kauri timber. This wood comes from the stumps and large logs of fallen trees, which have been buried in the ground for thousands of years. Left to be reclaimed by nature, I feel honored to transform some of these remains into enduring forms that will stand the test of time, preserving the legacy of these magnificent trees for many years to come.