Essence 19 (2025) is a one-of-a-kind sculptural work by New Zealand artist John Allen, bringing together two remarkable native timbers from distant parts of the country. Handcrafted from tōtara burl driftwood collected along the East Cape and a pōhutukawa branch salvaged from a fallen tree at Beachlands, this piece carries within it two very different coastal stories.
Tōtara is among New Zealand’s most revered native trees — slow-growing, dense, and deeply significant in Māori culture. The burl form, shaped further by sea and time into driftwood, gives this timber an extraordinary surface of swirling grain and organic texture. Paired with the strength and warmth of pōhutukawa, the two woods create a sculptural dialogue that feels intimate, balanced, and enduring.
Finished with natural oil and wax, the surface highlights the rich grain, organic textures, and tonal depth of both native timbers. Entirely unique, Essence 19 is an original artwork that carries genuine natural and cultural history — a profound and considered gift for someone truly special.
