Wood carver creates best seat in the house

Kevin McCardell's chair creation looks like leather but is made of poplar.

A moment of relaxation has inspired a carving of the ultimate symbol of relaxation - the armchair.

Tauranga wood carver Kevin McCardell was enjoying smoko in the sun when he decided to carve the armchair, complete with wooden footrest, Herald on Sunday and dictionary. "I like the idea of a Sunday morning where you sit down and have your coffee and do the crosswords."

For the next three months he toiled over the remains of a century-old poplar tree.

"The toughest part was getting the look of old leather. You've got to be so careful with the folds."

The carving, named Best Seat in the House, is part of a 10-day NZ Sculpture OnShore exhibition at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve from Thursday.

It's also for sale for $25,000, but in the meantime McCardell hoped people took a look - and a seat.

"I like the idea of having a sculpture you can interact with. When people sit on it they are in effect completing the sculpture."

The 56-year-old always loved art but his childhood interest in drawing was "never encouraged". Twelve years in the police, including stints as a police artist, helped his switch to fulltime carving 20 years ago, McCardell said. "That's why I've got my eye for realism. Life was like that. You go to a job and you think you know what's going on, but it's not always the case." He has also carved musical instruments and clothing, including painted replicas of Blues' rugby jerseys.

The support of his wife, Yvette, had been vital, as carving did not make you rich, he said.

"It's satisfying when you know people have saved their money to have a piece of your work. They've seen it and then they come back later. It's an amazing feeling."