"Regeneration is a memorial to the lost forests of Aoteroa New Zeland. Fallen and dead, the branch lays isolated, ready to return into the earth. However, this limb still holds onto its viable green/bronze cone. Each cone is made up of dozens of seed casings ready to repopulate the land. Nature's cycle includes renewal within decay: giving humans a model to contemplate. We need to shift our values towards spiritual wholeness so that we too can offer a future to come". Jim Wheeler
In an edition of 10 this sculpture was included in 2 exhibitions; The Spirit of Sculpture at St Mathew in the City, June 2005 where it featured on TV one's Frontseat.
In September of 2005 Regeneration was in Growth Industry at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa.
Regeneration was also displayed in the 2005-06 Garden Safari on Waiheke Island.
Jim was born in a small town in North Carolina, USA, 1952. Son of a professional forester. Educated on the East Coast.
University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture, Princeton, New Jersey
Emigrated to New Zealand. Currently lives in Auckland with his wife and two children.
Jim has been a self employed artist since 1989. He helped establish and run Art Works Studio LTD, a bronze sculpture foundry, 3D art studio.
Jim has had 6 successful solo exhibitions in New Zealand and various group shows USA, UK, Germany, Holland, Hungary, and Finland.
He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council Grant. Represented in the Auckland Museum.