10 March 2023, Issue 1150
Sculpting livelihoods Meet Sam Steel of Pyes Pa, pictured, with one of her stunning hand-crafted horse sculptures made from unwanted scrap metal. While she designs the sculptures here in New Zealand, the works of art are actually a joint effort with a team of talented artists over in South Africa who rely on this craftwork to support themselves, and their families. Sam’s
‘hobby’ has grown massively since she began working with the artists in South Africa four years ago – today you’ll find a menagerie of sculpted animals from Kiwiana favourites such as our iconic bird and crayfish through to impressive African-dwellers like crocodiles, giraffe and hippos to Steampunk-style dragons and eagles plus insects, bird, fish, flora and fauna for sale.
Sam admits her ‘hobby’ has grown much bigger than she ever anticipated – but she insists the aptly-named Art of Outdoors must keep going. “I can’t stop this now because I know it’s changing lives.” With no shop or gallery to limit overheads, Sam holds Open Weekends for the public to view items. Read more about Art of Outdoors on page 19. Photo: John Borren.