"Totem" 2022

Totem (2022) is a one-of-a-kind free-standing sculptural work by New Zealand artist John Allen. Handcrafted from pōhutukawa root salvaged from a fallen tree in the Auckland region, this is one of the most commanding pieces in the collection — a vertical form that rises with quiet authority, rooted in its steel base like something that has always stood there.

The name says it clearly. A totem is a marker of presence, identity, and connection — an object that stands for something beyond itself. Here, the organic movement and strength of the pōhutukawa root is given permanence by a steel base, grounding the natural form and allowing it to hold its full height. The contrast between the raw, living character of the wood and the precision of the steel creates a dialogue between the found and the made.

Finished with natural oil and wax, the surface reveals the rich grain and warmth of pōhutukawa while preserving its organic character. At 450 mm, Totem commands a shelf, plinth, or table with ease.

Totem is an original artwork of presence and permanence — an exceptional gift for someone who appreciates the enduring over the fleeting.

Specifications:

• Title: Totem (2022)
• Artist: John Allen
• Materials: Pōhutukawa root (Auckland region), steel base
• Finish: Oil and wax
• Height: 450 mm
• Care: Indoor display recommended