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. (Koru foursome)

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