Artist preserves local history
A Putaruru artist’s work has gained a popular following with tourists who visit Tirau.
Woodturner Neil Joynt said he was humbled to know many of his creations were now displayed in homes around the world.
‘‘It’s a real buzz when people appreciate your work. ‘‘I get off on that. ‘‘They just adore it and quite often they say the price is wrong.’’
Joynt said he was inspired by the cultural heritage of the area.
Most of his pieces have been created from re-using wood from around the district. ‘‘That’s what so exciting. ‘‘It’s not just me who’s discovering the beauty of the wood it’s everybody and they see things differently. ‘‘I am quite spiritual in my art. ‘‘It’s very, very satisfying. I’m preserving this in time.
‘‘I’ve captured it and I’ve locked it into time.’’
Art On Mainin Tirau is the only location in the Waikato to display his work.
But offers have come in to have his creations displayed at the Auckland Airport and Te Papa Museum.
His work has also won several awards at shows around the country.
Keeping true to his philosophy each piece is made to the highest quality.
Joynt adds aesthetic value by using pyrography, crushed stones and a range of other materials.
He credits his teacher Mike Ward, at Tokoroa High School, who encouraged him to explore his creativity.
In the 90s he explored the art of wood turning.
It wasn’t until 2011 that Joynt took the craft back up when he had more time on his hands.
‘‘I was wanting to explore it further and my children had left home.
‘‘It’s just ramped up to a level where I am entering competitions and travelling around the country doing demonstrations.’’
Joynt is now part of an art cooperative made up of artists in the Central North Island that display their art in Tirau.
He said his work is discovery art.
‘‘That’s what excites me. You don’t know what’s under the bark. You cut through to that and you start seeing stuff.
‘‘That’s exciting.’’