Owen Mapp

Owen Mapp began carving with whale ivory, whale bone, and cow bone in 1969, becoming New Zealand’s first contemporary professional bone carver.

His first exhibition was held at Wellington’s Bett-Duncan Gallery in 1972. Around this time, he became actively involved with the New Zealand chapter of the World Craft Council (later the Craft Council of New Zealand) and the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. These affiliations helped promote his work and enabled him to organise workshops showcasing bone carving techniques.

In 1990, Owen received a QEII Arts Council (now Creative New Zealand) study grant, which allowed him to connect with Japanese netsuke carvers. He continues to exhibit in Japan, and his work has even been acquired by the Japanese royal family.