I began my apprenticeship making coffins and caskets of all things at Windsor Industries in Pahiatua 30 years ago, I slowly moved up the North Island making kitchens and cabinetry until 2001 when I did an about turn and went dairy farming.

My love of woodworking never left me however and I began making wooden toys and models for my sons. I left the farming industry 10 years ago and Fat Cow Woodcraft was born.

I tend to have many areas of interest and have an exhausting habit of jumping in way over my head, though this often adds to the drama, it generally manifests amazing results.

I like to create original pieces of furniture, tin slide guitars and carved models of classic cars and have recently discovered the wonderful world of intarsia.

Art being the fickle medium that it is, I've turned full time cabinet maker, designing and building kitchens and vanities by day and become an artisan at night furiously making toys and artworks for the next seasons shows.

Wood is a family thing. Early New Zealand McKechnie's operated sawmills in the "Catlins". I worked in wood mills as a young man. My grandfather, a master builder, and dad worked in the forest industry.

I love taking old pieces of wood, looking for beautiful images within, and making carvings and sculpture.

I've been carving from the age of 7 years. A mallet, chisel, a piece of kauri, an old Chelsea Sugar Factory beam or an old Totara post makes me happy. I look for beauty and I am motivated by love.

I welcome you to come and see waka, fanciful sea creatures and mermaids.

During KOAST this year you'll find me at  my studio  and at The Little Black Gallery

Looking forward to seeing you.

Click on the images below to see enlargements of Hugh's work.

Ko Tamatea raua ko Rakaumangamanga ōku maunga, ko Hokianga raua ko Ipipiri ōku moana, ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka, ko Te Rarawa me Ngapuhi nga iwi.

Ko Mark Howard tōku ingoa.

I am Mark Howard, I am from Taitokerau. I am a self taught carver who combines traditional and contemporary styles in my work. I am exceedingly fortunate to have skilled tohunga whakairo in my family, and I am part of a collective of carvers who offer guidance, support, and inspiration to one another.

After many years in Auckland working full time and pursuing my passion for carving part time, my wife and I relocated to an elevated bush property overlooking the Whangaroa harbour, where I could dedicate wholly to the art form. Immersed in the beauty of the abundant native flora and fauna, connected to the land of my ancestors, I am blessed with the resources at hand and the resounding resonance of a waterfall in my front yard.

Although the path chosen is a solitary one and often possesses unique challenges, ultimately, there is great satisfaction and reward...especially the response from recipients when their work is completed and acquired.