Lea Torp Nielsen

 

I am a chainsaw carver and a bone carver.

I was introduced to carving in New Zealand. According to the Maori (the natives of New Zealand) bone carvings of traditional design have distinctive spiritual meaning and mana (power); I try to honour this concept by taking great pride in my workmanship.

I enjoy making wearable sculptural carvings in bone and big pieces using a chainsaw in wood.
 
My work is handcrafted from beef bone mainly and occasionally reindeer bone and still reflects links with the traditional designs.

My wood carvings are very organic, very tactile and they, too, reflect my fascination with the gentle sweeping curves of ancient Maori art.