Guest Sculpture 2025:
Brett Keno,
Stone Carving Artist and Sculptor - Crafting Stories in Stone
We are honoured to welcome Brett Keno as our guest sculptor for the 2025 Festival of Pots and Garden Art. His exceptional talent and deep connection to Māori heritage promise to bring a unique and enriching experience to the festival, showcasing his stunning stone carvings that tell powerful stories through art.
Brett Keno
Brett is a talented stone carver from Ōtaki, New Zealand, with roots in Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, and Ngāi Tahu. After a successful career in banking and finance, he took the leap into full-time artistry in 2011, driven by a passion for sculpting and storytelling through stone. Brett works alongside his wife, who shares his artistic vision and dedication, enhancing their collaborative approach to creating meaningful sculptures.
Brett specialises in Oamaru stone, a material he finds both tactile and rewarding to work with. His sculptures often reflect the natural world and incorporate traditional Māori designs, utilising shadow and depth to create dynamic forms. He listens closely to his clients' stories, allowing their wishes to guide his creative process.
In addition to personal commissions, Brett offers workshops that foster community engagement and share his passion for stone carving. His recent projects include creating memorial headstones that require a delicate balance of artistry and sensitivity.
Brett's work has garnered attention for its emotional depth and craftsmanship, making him a respected figure in the New Zealand art scene. His commitment to storytelling through his sculptures ensures that each piece is not just an object but a narrative brought to life.
Explore Brett's unique creations and learn more about his artistic journey on his website: Keno Sculpture.
Brett is a talented stone carver from Ōtaki, New Zealand, with roots in Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, and Ngāi Tahu. After a successful career in banking and finance, he took the leap into full-time artistry in 2011, driven by a passion for sculpting and storytelling through stone. Brett works alongside his wife, who shares his artistic vision and dedication, enhancing their collaborative approach to creating meaningful sculptures.
Brett specialises in Oamaru stone, a material he finds both tactile and rewarding to work with. His sculptures often reflect the natural world and incorporate traditional Māori designs, utilising shadow and depth to create dynamic forms. He listens closely to his clients' stories, allowing their wishes to guide his creative process.
In addition to personal commissions, Brett offers workshops that foster community engagement and share his passion for stone carving. His recent projects include creating memorial headstones that require a delicate balance of artistry and sensitivity.
Brett's work has garnered attention for its emotional depth and craftsmanship, making him a respected figure in the New Zealand art scene. His commitment to storytelling through his sculptures ensures that each piece is not just an object but a narrative brought to life.
Explore Brett's unique creations and learn more about his artistic journey on his website: Keno Sculpture.