Alex Sands

I am of Māori descent from the tribe Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, and of European descent from England, Scotland and Ireland.

I was raised in New Zealand and for a time in China. It was while I was in China that my love of creating began in soft stone carving. I carved small intricate things with basic tools, files and small chisels. At the age of 12 I was inspired by the jade creations of the world and the jade creations of my Māori ancestors.

That early inspiration has given rise to my life’s passion of jade; sourcing jade, exploring jade, creating in jade and in other mediums. Sands Carving Studio is the culmination of my passion.