A Chip Off the Old Block

Although he's carved only two Oamaru stone pieces since his arrival in April, Oamaru harbour's newest artisan, Oliver Briggs, is already carving a name for himself.
The 21-year-old moved to Oamaru on a whim after encountering Oamaru limestone in his hometown of Whakatane.
So far he's enjoying the solitude at the harbour.
His workshop is near Bill Blair's and was formerly occupied by Michelle Beaufoy (see earlier posts).
"I suppose I like the abandonedness of it - not having to talk to other people. It is nice to be left alone there," he laughs at the inherent irony, given our interview was arranged at the harbour.
But Oliver considers he is in good company.
"It's nice to have other people around such as Bill, David (Kilgour, postmodern apprentice bootmaker) and Slim (Hurring, harbour idler)."
The harbour is a stepping stone for Oliver in more ways than one.
His artistic aspirations don't stop at local limestone, which is sourced from Parkside Quarries.
He is also stretching out the hand of creativity to oil painting, and has impressed the locals at Fight Club with the depth and breadth of his musical knowledge.
Among them is established painter Donna Demente, whose investment nous led her last week to buy one of Oliver's first Oamaru-made works.
Not bad for a few months' work.