About Us

Madestone Sculptures are created by John Smith in Hamilton, New Zealand.

I have been sculpting as a hobby since 2005. My first experience of hebel as a sculpting medium was at a Home Show in Hamilton. I saw a display which featured hebel as a construction material with some examples of its use in an artistic way. After some conversation I realised it had potential as a carving material for a group of people I was working with as a learning facilitator. This gave me an opportunity to experiment and learn about the characteristics of hebel. From that time on I have developed my own skills and techniques. I enjoy the ease of sculpting blocks and slabs into creative pieces of art.

I also work with Hinuera Stone which is a volcanic stone mined near Hinuera in the Waikato region. Hinuera Stone provides different challenges and is not restricted in size and shape.

A few pieces are also made from Oamaru stone and wood. I am currently working on a slab series made from 1m high pieces of Oamaru stone.

I have found the local arts and craft markets a good place to sell my work. I have also sold pieces at a retail outlet. I also hold sculpting workshops at my studio. 

I enjoy the interaction with people and the opportunity to discuss with people pieces they would like made.

Feedback December 2021

‘Thank you, Madestone for the fabulous gifts that I've been able to purchase from you over the last few months. They have been wonderfully received and look fantastic in their new homes. Can't recommend you highly enough to anyone that wants a great product, terrific communications and a very good range of choices.’ Regards Gill