Rotorua artist hoping to carve out a legacy

Joe Kemp will show his majestic artwork at the upcoming NZ Sculpture OnShore event in November. Photo / Ben Fraser

Kemp keen to see what the public thinks about his work

A Rotorua artist is set to impress at the country's top sculpture exhibition in November.

Carver Joe Kemp has been chosen to have his work displayed at the NZ Sculpture OnShore event, a biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition that raises money for Women's Refuge New Zealand, and which is held at Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore.

It is the only national outdoor exhibition of its kind and, over the years, has raised $1.34 million for the charity.

Kemp, who has his own art gallery in Rotoma, said he was thrilled to be taking part for the second time.

"It's a really prestigious exhibition, dozens of top-notch artists, some of the best in the country, go there to display their work, so I'm looking forward to it."

The exhibition will feature Kemp's carving, Hinemoana, a four-and-a-half-metre long wooden bench that has been carved to look like a mermaid.

The carving took him about 10 days to create and Kemp is looking forward to seeing what people think of it.

"I encourage the public to go to the exhibition and see what's on offer, there will be some spectacular work on show and it's all for a good cause."

Kemp is a self-taught artist who has had more than 15 years' experience.

His work includes two sculptures on display at the intersection of Pukuatua and Tutanekai Sts.

He said he hoped to make his mark as a Maori artist and hoped the exhibition might further his career.

"I want to leave a good legacy and do well to look after my family and grandkids."

A total of 106 artists will have their work shown at NZ Sculpture OnShore, which runs from November 6 to 16.

Some of the well-known artists whose work will feature in the event include Paul Dibble, Mary-Louise Brown, Lonnie Hutchinson and John Reynolds.

Exhibition curator Rob Garrett said the 2014 exhibition would be a diverse showcase of New Zealand artistic talent, and would feature artists from the Far North to Invercargill.