Leading artists get Sculpture Symposium under way (+video)

The Rotorua public can be part of a special event running in the city for the next few weeks, getting up close and personal with some of the country's top artists at the Rotorua Sculpture Symposium.

The symposium was officially opened today with 17 sculptors, including eight local artists, setting up for an intense nine days where they carve, mould and chip away at their sculptures on the grounds of the Rotorua Arts Village.

Rotorua Lakes Council community arts adviser Marc Spijkerbosch said it was great to see so many of the artists who were part of the first symposium two years ago.

"It's such an awesome event with so many awesome people and I know it will be great."

Local artist Natana Hirapona is working on a log of macrocarpa alongside his mates Joe Kemp and Rakei Kingi.

In keeping with the theme of the symposium - The Energy Within - his work will feature two women from Maori legend who brought fire and geothermal activity to Aotearoa from Hawaiki-nui.

"It's all got to do with the thermal area we are working in and the ground we are standing on."

He said it would be a full-on nine days of work.

"But most of it's already in my head."

He said his work had been sponsored by Chris Woodney from Crash Palace Backpackers and the wood provided by Peter Lyn.

Members of the public can head down and watch the artists work on their sculptures for the next eight days until November 27 when the works should be finished.

Once complete, the artworks will be judged and the winner's creation will become a permanent part of the Rotorua public art collection.

Another four pieces will be considered for selection to enhance the new boulevard in Kuirau Park.

All remaining work will then be installed at the Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail.