Artist Profile
Kawakawa Stone represents the creative collaboration between internationally acclaimed carvers Madelyne Gourdin and Nick Spicer Balme. Situated along the beautiful coastline of Whanganui, New Zealand, their workshop has become a hub of artistic excellence. The duo's extraordinary sculptures and carvings have garnered them prestigious awards and are showcased in galleries and public spaces worldwide.
Growing up in New Zealand, Nick always felt a strong pull toward carving. For him, it was a way to reconnect with the land and find balance in a fast-paced world. Stone carving deepened his connection to Aotearoa, giving him a stronger sense of identity. Nick moved to Greymouth, the heart of pounamu (jade) country, to pursue jade carving. He studied at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, earning a Diploma in Hard-stone Carving. His innovative piece, a Jade Chandelier, earned him the Mountain Jade Excellence Award. Nick’s recognition grew when he moved to Wellington and won a Silver Medal and the Emerging Artist Award for his carving "Chinese Landscape" at the NZ Jade Artists Society competition. His international reputation was further solidified with a Silver Medal for his piece "Growth" at the Zei Gang Bei Jade Exhibition in China. The following year, his jade piece "Thopter" earned the Creativity and Innovation Award. Nick’s love for jade carving has taken him around the world, to places like China, Canada, and Russia, where he has deepened his craft and knowledge. Through Kawakawa Stone Ltd., he creates pieces that honor the traditions of jade carving while ensuring sustainability and respect for the cultural significance of pounamu.
Originally from France, Maddy developed a love for stone carving during their studies in Art History and Archeology. They trained as an apprentice stone carver and restorer in Paris, where they spent five years honing their skills, captivated by the history embedded in the stone. Maddy’s talents were recognized with the French ‘Award for Future Artistic Careers’ and they graduated with distinction as a Stone Mason Specialized Sculptor and Restorer of Historical Monuments. In search of new experiences, Maddy traveled to New Zealand, where they quickly became involved in sculpture symposiums in Westport, Hokitika, and Greymouth, and were commissioned to create sculptures for the Reefton community. It was during this time that Maddy discovered jade carving and met Nick, with whom they founded Kawakawa Stone Ltd. Their shared passion for jade carving has taken them on a global journey, exploring jade-rich regions and learning from diverse jade cultures. In China, Maddy’s work was recognized at the Zi Gang Bei Jade Exhibition, where they won Gold Medals for their pieces "Ocean" and "The Spring Puzzle". These experiences have been pivotal in shaping their artistic vision and inspiring new directions in their craft.
