2009
Sand cast Bronze
Progressive foundry
Landscape Panel
Flora & fauna relief sculpture cutout panel
Permanent Public Sculpture, Guangzhou, China
My first public commission, this work is a gift from Auckland City to sister city Guanzhou, China.
Commissioned by Auckland City Council to celebrate the cities 20th Anniversary.
It is a visual celebration of many natural aspects of Auckland city in relief form cutouts. The back is etched rather than in relief. The brief involved something which would be easily transportable and also durable. It did the trick.
2017
Cast bronze
Flux foundry
photos by Andre Van De Ven
Blue Penguins
Endangered Blue Penguin
Permanent Public Sculpture, Campbells Bay Beach, Auckland
These six Little Blue Penguins, made in bronze, can be found at Campbells Bay on Auckland’s North Shore.
The Little Blue Penguins were a private initiative by Max Tomson, supported by local council, celebrating the bird and penguins ladies, Sylvia Durrant and Annwynne Standish and the tireless work they do rehabilitating the local penguins, among other species of birds.
I was very excited to do this project, so lucky to be part of it. Working on a community project is deeply rewarding and working with Max Thomson, whose idea it was to offer this addition to his community, was such a joy. Community telling its own story is such an important social function and one which is of benefit to all who encounter it. It not only fosters local knowledge, but creates a sense of worth and understanding among its people, which further extends outward to other groups and visitors. When we first installed the penguins there was an attempt at vandalising them. But once we had the community unveiling people understood that it is a community funded, community directed initiative, and the community embraced the addition.
The penguins tell a story about the love and generosity of the Bird ladies, Sylvia Durrant and Anwwynne Standish, and their long lasting positive contribution to their community.
2017
Cast bronze
Artworks foundry; Flux foundry
photos by Andre Van De Ven
Wallace Trophy
James Wallace Rendering Award
This was the trophy awarded annually to renderers by the Wallace Group.
2012
Auckland University commissioned Samantha to design the Vice Chancellors medal for commercial excellence.
Vice Chancellors Medal for Commercial Excellence
2003
Cast bronze
Artworks foundry
Female Nude
Life size female figure
Private commission
2019
Cast bronze
Regal foundry
Following in My Fathers Footsteps
Male Quail & two Chicks
Originally this was a private commission for my uncle, Stephen Rodgers. It then developed into a limited edition of 12, first exhibited at the 2019-20 Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition at the Auckland Botanic Gardens Indoor exhibition.
Made to celebrate the California Quail families living in Cromwell, South Otago, I developed the idea further to include the father and 2 chicks, representing my uncle and his 2 daughters.
When I began sculpting the male quail I was concerned that the birds lack of shape and complex colouration would create a boring sculpture and a difficult patina. As a way of combating this I began adding detail to the birds body. This eventually resulted in the detailed realism of the work and the painted surfaces.
2019
Cast bronze
Flux foundry
Jack Nicklaus Golf Trophy
Grizzly Bear
Commission for the Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club, Auckland.
