James grew up in Maketu on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. His Mother is of Nga Puhi, Ngati Hine, from Pipiwai in Northland. Leaving his Pakeha Father, while pregnant with James, Jame’s Mother moved to Maketu, met and married his Stepfather (Dad) who is of Te Arawa, Rangiteorere.
At the age of 12 James learnt to surf at Maketu & since then surfing and the ocean in general has featured predominantly in James’s life. In 1991 James spent 2 years in prison where He learnt to carve on custom wood.
This took his mind off the waves and gave him a creative outlet. James started out carving traditional Maori Art and surf icons (creating many surf trophies for New Zealand surf competitions). Since then his art has evolved into an eclectic mix of both.
James’s ideas are greatly influenced by his strong affinity with the ocean and the forms and symbology borrowed from the past for contemporary Maori Art.
Though James has carved with native wood, he continues to use custom wood as it is the most versatile medium for the effect and designs he prefers. James has been working solely as a carver since 2004. He works from his studio (garage) and stocks eleven Art Galleries in New Zealand. James is regularly invited to exhibit with others and his Art works are held in international private collections, including an 8ft long, 60kg surfboard carving shipped to Oman.