Bevan Taka

Bevan is one of our glass artists who studied under Keith Mahy at Northtec Polytechnic and then worked with him in the glass studio here before spending several years working with Garry Nash at Sunbeam Studios. Bevan then travelled to Europe, eventually settling in Sweden, where he lives and works. We are proud, and honoured, to be the only gallery in New Zealand to exhibit Bevan's work, and were lucky enough to watch him at work in the hot glass studio next door - his mastery of molten glass was amazing to watch. Bevan's work is influenced by his Maori heritage, particularly his sandcarved pieces where he uses patterns usually associated with Whakiro (wood carving) as decoration. 
"The pieces I produce are generally influenced by the works of both Italian and Scandinavian glass makers. Both cultures are steeped in the tradition of glass making and therefore have a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to draw from. What often drives me is the desire to find my place among these two distinctive styles, infusing both influences with that of my own Maori heritage."