Steve Newby

Steve Newby is a Cobden-based sculptor and craftsman. His work has travelled to Spain, England, and Australia and three sculptures are displayed in the Grey district.

“Newby’s work is diverse. For every statue there are twice as many polished knotted-totara bowls, driftwood arrangements, wooden models, carved masks, and standard lamps.

“He prefers working with wood, stone and bone which are fortunately all readily available on the West Coast.

“Newby’s studio is no romantic garret or attic. It is an old and draughty garage with broken and rotting floor boards.”

“One day, when he can afford to, he will invest in a lathe and a polisher. In the meantime his turning and fine work is done by hand. For carving he uses mallets and chisels fashioned from car springs.”

Source: Peter Christian, ‘Cobden artist offers glimpse of lifestyle’, The Christchurch Press, 6 Aug 1997