11 May 2025

Regional Wrap goes to Rūnanga: carver Rob Dykes Law

From Culture 101, 1:28 pm on 11 May 2025

A few week's back Culture101 heard from a listener, sculptor Rob Dykes Law in Rapahoe.

Work by Rob Dykes Law

Rob Dykes Law Photo: Rob Dykes Law

"I have just glued a pounamu serpentine crest, to a 24cm onewa patu with lizard face carved on one half. Mezoamerican influence, " Rob txted. "I have my door open, sitting, its raining, with mist, a weka is walking by. Tourists are flying past at break neck speed in their cars."

Rapahoe is just outside Rūnanga north of Greymouth in Te Tai o Poutini, the South Island's West Coast.

There Dykes Law is part of a fledgling carvers group, all graduates of Te Tai o Poutini Polytechnic.

He has exhibited at Greymouth's Left Bank Art Gallery and Shades of Jade. He joins us for our Regional Wrap.