More info about Chris can be found on the Meet Our Artists page.

At the heart of this work stands a simple yet profound truth: He tangata, he tangata, he tangata — it is the people who matter most.

The artwork is shaped as a kape, a form traditionally associated with shelter, protection, and embrace. Its sweeping wings create a protective space, drawing the eye toward the centre where three figures stand together. The kape reminds us that our greatest strength is not found in possessions or achievements, but in the relationships that sustain and uplift us throughout our lives.

The three figures represent the people who journey alongside us — whānau, friends, mentors, colleagues, and those whose presence shapes our story. They stand at the centre because people are the centre. They are the source of our belonging, our resilience, and our purpose.

Crafted from the top of a bowed oak coffee table, rescued from the fire, this piece celebrates the enduring connection between people and place. The oak’s natural grain reflects the beauty of growth over time, each line and pattern shaped by the forces of nature. In the same way, our lives are formed through the relationships we build, the experiences we share, and the communities that sustain us. The piece serves as a reminder that strength, resilience, and belonging are found in the connections that weave us together.

This work is a reminder that amidst the demands and distractions of the world, our greatest treasures remain the people around us. The kape embraces them, protects them, and honours them, anchoring the piece in the enduring wisdom of the whakataukī:

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Measurements: Height: x 330 mm Kape only (640 mm with lashing), Width = 1200 mm, Depth = 20 mm