Todd Couper

Todd attended Te Aute Boys College in Hawkes Bay from 1987 to 1991 and quickly excelled in art. In 1995, he completed the Diploma of Art, Craft and Māori Design at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua; he majored in woodcarving/sculpture and graduated with honours. It was during this time that he met Roi Toia, who was teaching there. Roi, impressed with his talent, invited Todd to apprentice with him. They continue to work together, but Todd has forged his own style and direction in carving, with commissioned pieces residing in collections in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands. He participated in Kiwa: Pacific Connections (2003) in Vancouver, Canada.

Excerpt from Manawa—Pacific Heartbeat, 2005.

“Acknowledging my culture by incorporating traditional styles and motifs along with contemporary concepts and influences, I see my work as a translation of thoughts, expressing my inner self through fine sculpture.”

• Wero: Pacific Challenge, exhibition with Rex Homan and Lewis Gardiner, 2014.
• Todd Couper: Māori Weapons of War, solo exhibition, 2006.