Bruce Phillips' exhibition of works on display at Space Gallery in Taupo Quay this week was inspired by a book.
"I read Bill Bryson's The Short History of Nearly Everything and it inspired the first work, and I have continued from there," said Phillips.
The sequential works were produced by using copper sulphate etch on aluminium plate and Phillips said he etched several designs into some of the works.
"The works are about connectedness - being connected makes us feel good and is essential to our existence."
Some of the works have repeated patterns that increase or diminish in size so that the observer is drawn right inside and there is an illusion of depth created on the flat surface.
Phillips said the works have taken him around three years to complete while he works as a teacher at Tawhero School.
"I love working with the kids there - it's a fantastic school and Chris Dibben and all the staff there do an amazing job."
Phillips worked with Tawhero students to design and paint a bright new logo for the school last year and said it was fun to incorporate the children's designs that represent the school's character.
Phillips said his exhibition at Space gallery which runs until next Sunday is best described by a quote from Bryson's book...
"It cannot be said too often - all life is one. That is, and I suspect will ever be the most profound statement there is."