Sculptor's sea lion man captures imaginations

Jamie Pickernell's Beach Master was part of the 10th biennial NZ Sculpture OnShore exhibition in Auckland. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua artists have had their work viewed by hundreds at the 10th biennial NZ Sculpture OnShore exhibition.

Held at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve in Devonport on Auckland's North Shore the exhibition, which closed yesterday, featured work by Rotorua's Joe Kemp and Jamie Pickernell. The show helped raise funds for Women's Refuge.

Mr Pickernell said this was his eighth year being part of the show with his piece titled Beach Master. The 2.8m Corten steel piece is a blend of human and sea lion and took eight weeks to make. The creature holds in its hand an arrow squid, which makes up a large part of the mammal's diet.

It was inspired by a sea kayaking trip around Stewart Island, Mr Pickernell said. "I was paddling with four others and we often shared the beach landings with sea lions, it was a very unique way of seeing them, they were inquisitive and quite gentle and we really enjoyed them."

He later discovered the sea lions were endangered and has pledged to give 5 per cent of the sale of Beach Master to the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust.

Mr Pickernell started blending animal characteristics with humans in 2006.

"I think it's a good way to connect with people and to bring them in. I enjoy the idea of story in my sculpture, you can tell stories of magic, realism, myths, legends by making that cross-over."

He said the latest exhibition was another chance to show his work.

"There's Trevor Nathan, Joe Kemp and there's me, people who have decided to put our stake in the ground, and say 'I'm a sculptor and this what I do' and there's only so many group shows like [NZ Sculpture OnShore], so you apply and ask, 'Please put me in'.

"These shows come up often in November time and over Christmas so you put in the idea and hopefully it sells."