Simon King

Simon King, until recently, a Wanaka based artist, designer, furniture maker and teacher. After a number of years working as a furniture designer and maker Simon trained as a teacher and taught design in various parts of New Zealand and in the Cook Islands. He held various contracts with the Ministry of Education and NZQA to develop and lead Design education and assessment in New Zealand. Since leaving his position as Head of Design Technology at Mount Aspiring College he has returned to full time woodworking and teaching adults furniture making.
Simon works in 2D and 3D media to explore a range of interests. Simon’s sculptural work has a number of strands:-
• An exploration of form, colour and texture through vessels and containers
• Joinery using traditional Pacific Island techniques informed by having lived in the Cook Islands
• Furniture design drawing on ideas from New Zealand vernacular architecture and pre-European woodwork
Simon’s 2D work has in the past included painting, drawing, printmaking and photography. Current work is dominated by the use of collage involving printmaking, painting and drawing techniques to explore ideas around identity, ancestry, community and connection.