Location: Leith Place/SH 1 median

Material: Cedar deodar, This was a living tree when it was carved.

Created: 2004

Artist: Andy Hancock

Definition of Name:
Green Man – Green man is typically a sculpture or drawing surrounded by leaves or foliage of some nature. It is also not uncommon for branches or vines to sprout from its nose, mouth and other places on the face.
Interpretation of Definition:
The green man is found all over the world with numerous variations. It represents nature and can be interpreted as a symbol of rebirth it displays the cycle of the tree throughout the seasons, and is especially beautiful during spring.
Meaning of the Sculpture/Carving:
This piece represents peace and the beauty of nature. Traditionally a Green Man, as stated above, is a sculpture or drawing of a face surrounded by or made from leaves or other foliage. The piece is often used as a decorative architectural ornament, Green Men are frequently found on carvings in churches and other buildings. This particular green man acts as a face for the changing seasons in New Zealand and the beauty of nature that we live in. It is a tall piece that offers protection to all.

Materials:
The wood used for this carving was Cedar deodar, the difference to other carvings was that this was a living tree when it was carved. The tree deodar cedar is a large tree with spreading branches which form a cone shape. They can grow up to and over 150 feet tall, most commonly they remain at about 50 feet tall. The bark can be very dark and close to black, the bark is usually smooth for an adolescent tree becoming more rough and textured with age. It has been called the most graceful of all the cedar trees, which is mainly down to its bushy branches that extend wide.

Artist Notes:
Andy Hancock is from Wales/Australia and now resides in Texas. Andy’s work specialises in working on both fallen and standing dead trees, and his largest to date is a dead Beech tree, being the tallest wood carving in Britain at 42 feet. Another of his sculptures was unveiled by her majesty the Queen to celebrate 50 years of education at a College in North Wales. Andy’s work can be seen all over Europe as well as America, Russia, Australia and of course, New Zealand.
Corporate clients and large public service organisations such as Councils, colleges and schools commission his work. Andy’s artwork is original not ordinary, this is his motto. Andy is self-taught with a lot of help from great artists, sculptors, painters, machine drivers, scientists, and curators and with the help and support of his family.