Stephan Gilberg, born in Germany, started bone carving after being in New Zealand for a 6 month visit in 1992. Being exposed to Maori culture on this visit and since living here it was particularly bone carving that took his interest. 

Starting out as a hobby it quickly became a passion, and once he immigrated to New Zealand in 1996 and settling in Nelson he turned this into a lifestyle that connects him with the deep rooted traditions of Aotearoa / New Zealand and the first inspirations from being here.

He started teaching bone carving in 1996 and many people have over the years visited his studio in sunny Nelson to join in creating pieces of beauty and pride.
Carvings made in his workshop are proudly worn and cherished by people all around the world .

Two television travel documentaries were shot and included material about his bone carving workshops (from the USA: "Smart Travels" with Rudy Maxa and from Canada a TV feature with Valerie Pringle), several newspaper and magazine publications featured him as well as a Radio New Zealand feature which can be found here.

His carvings are for sale at various high profile galleries in New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum in Wellington, World of Wearable Arts Museum in Nelson, Real Aotearoa in Auckland and Wellington and the Coolstore Gallery in Mapua near Nelson.

His background is strongly influenced by woodwork as he worked before as guitarmaker, musician and in the educational field. His  favourite materials to work and carve with are bone, Paua shell and wood. He still makes musical instruments and gadgets as well.

For bookings, enquiries and availability please phone

03 - 5464275 (0064-3-5464275 from overseas)

or email thebonecarver@xtra.co.nz 

Links:

www.backpacknelson.com (activities, accommodation and everything about Nelson)

www.creativetourism.co.nz (creative workshops in Nelson and New Zealand)

www.nelsonnz.com (official website of tourism Nelson)

www.newzealand.com.au (great info on NZ travel)

www.tasmanbaybackpackers.co.nz (accommodation in Nelson)

www.accentsonthepark.com (accommodation in Nelson)

www.backpackernelson.co.nz (accommodation in Nelson)

www.alwaysonvacation.co.nz (great travel and accommodation info)

www.ubike.co.nz  (exceptional cycle hire)