of words, pictures and the arts
Steve Gwaliasi – Bonz ‘n’ Stonez Jade Carver
Steve Gwaliasi founded Bonz ‘n’ Stonez in 2000 in Hokitika.
Steven has been involved with jade after being introduced to it while working on a gold claim in 1988. Newly arrived from the Solomon Islands, Steven worked on a digger and would often uncover pounamu boulders in the course of his work.
He went on to complete a jade carving course and abandoned the mining for a career as a jade carver.
Steve’s own work reflects his strong cultural heritage, merging in transition with the heritage of his ‘new’ home. His work displays strong lines and beautifully sculpted curves. He is well known for his kapkap – where Pounamu is used in conjunction with mother of pearl or obsidian.
In this video we talk with Steve and find out how to sign up to carve our own piece of jade or bone.
