Andrew Lyons

Andrew (aka Leo) was born in 1952, and raised in Redcliffs. He now lives with his wife Carole, in Heathcote Valley where they own and operate the Heathcote Valley gallery: http://www.heathcotevalleygallery.co.nz/

The gallery on Station road, was opened in 2015 and shows work by Andrew and local artist friends, who are excellent painters, potters and sculptors.

Andrew was trained as a cabinetmaker but 40 years ago he followed his passion for carving and reinvented himself as a sculptor. He has made his living this way ever since. He works with glass, stone, recycled materials and timber. His favorite medium is wood.

He feels very lucky and privileged to live on the edge of the peninsula which has been an amazing playground. Over the years he spent time sailing in the harbours, surfing the bays and hang gliding from the hills. He has spent many hours walking the hills to salvage some beautiful broadleaf and totara timber from various places on the peninsula which he has turned into works of art.

His work is nearly always inspired by nature shapes. Andrew is very fond of animals evident by the number of wood carvings of creatures displayed in his gallery. He has works in collections around the world but his most well known pieces in New Zealand are in the Hanmer forest sculpture walk.

The sleepy shag is made from heart rimu, salvaged from an earthquake damaged building. Andrew has many fond memories of the old jetty and is keen to see its restoration. He is happy to donate the Sleepy Shag to the auction.