Few artists/craftsmen can say the first commission was ordered on behalf of their country's leader, but 17-year-old Dylan Hall can.
Dylan is a wood artist with a growing reputation at Awanui's Ancient Kauri Kingdom, where he helps meet demand from the 200,000 visitors who walk through the door. Much of his work goes to China, which is where his commissioned piece ended up.
The wooden orb was commissioned by New Zealand Forests and presented to China's President Xi Jinping by Prime Minister John Key during his 2013 visit of the country ('A gift fit for a president' Northland Age April 11, 2013), which he created with his father, Alby Hall, a five-time winner of the woodturning title at the annual National Woodskills Competition, who has been at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom for 24 years.
Dylan wasn't sure he was up to it at first, "but once we began working on it, it just came naturally. It was one of the most difficult pieces I have made though, as everything had to be absolutely perfect. And once I found out who it was for I realised why," he said.
Alby is very proud of his son and his achievements.
"It's great to see a young person doing what they enjoy. He has become efficient and quick in a very short time, and is much further advanced than I was at his age," he said.
He recalled Dylan replicating Murray Ball cartoons when he was 6 years old, Dylan adding that he had been drawing for as long as he could remember.
"It's relaxing, and it gives me something to occupy my brain. And it's a challenge, a good challenge," he said.
He also enjoyed working with his father.
"I just do what Dad tells me and try and do the best job I can. Everything I know how to do I've learnt from him," he added.
Over the last year he has created more than 14 major pieces, each retailing for upwards of $2500, including two large discs with a gannet design that took around six months to create, after 30 hours of design work. His current project is a large wooden disc with a tiger's head, specifically made to attract a Chinese buyer.
"This will be one of the best things we've ever made here. It's a major piece," Alby said.
Meanwhile Dylan said he found living in the Far North "visually inspiring," but for all that he will embark upon his first OE later this year.
Alby hopes his son will "remember how gifted he is" and return to the craft in the fullness of time, Dylan saying only that he would not rule that out.
"But right now it's time for me to go and see more of this amazing world we live in," he said.