MAORI SCREEN
72" X 58" X 1"
Mahogany, Pigment, Glass

One evening , perusing a book store, I found the illustrative book
entitled "The Maori." This book has set me on a new path. I find the surface decoration of Maori objects truly stunning. These people covered most of their surfaces with a variety of intricately carved designs.

The undulating vertical design on each panel of this screen represents
the "koru" vine. It is a common and widely adapted Maori pattern often used in their 19th century meeting houses. I carved the wavy segment at the bottom of each panel hinting at water and its use in all cultures. The feet are an adaptation of a violin head; connoting music from an instrument and from the movement of water.

The reverse of each panel is covered with fabric. The top section of each
panel is filled with a pane of frosted beveled glass.