Daniel Wright is a sculptural copper artist with more than 37 years of experience. His practice is grounded in a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, material exploration, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Wright’s creative journey began in West Auckland, where the bush and wild west coast beaches shaped his connection to nature and form. Introduced to making through woodwork at Avondale College, he developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship, refined surfaces and the quiet focus of hands-on work.
Working initially with bone, native timber and driftwood, he later expanded into furniture, carving and sculpture. Surfing became a significant influence, inspiring both the organic forms of his work and a lifestyle that took him across Aotearoa and Australia. Alongside his artistic practice, he worked in manual trades, developing the resilience and practical skills needed to sustain a creative life.
A pivotal shift came with the discovery of copper. Drawn to its responsiveness, warmth and evolving patina, Wright found a material that reflected the same individuality and unpredictability he valued in timber.
Today, he works primarily with hand tools, combining traditional craftsmanship with sustainable production methods that allow his designs to evolve while remaining accessible. His work seeks to echo rather than imitate nature, creating objects that feel calm, balanced and timeless. Rather than telling specific stories, his pieces invite quiet engagement, offering a sense of flow and stillness that deepens over time.
Daniel Wright is a sculptural copper artist with more than 37 years of experience. His practice is grounded in a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, material exploration, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Wright’s creative journey began in West Auckland, where the bush and wild west coast beaches shaped his connection to nature and form. Introduced to making through woodwork at Avondale College, he developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship, refined surfaces and the quiet focus of hands-on work.
Working initially with bone, native timber and driftwood, he later expanded into furniture, carving and sculpture. Surfing became a significant influence, inspiring both the organic forms of his work and a lifestyle that took him across Aotearoa and Australia. Alongside his artistic practice, he worked in manual trades, developing the resilience and practical skills needed to sustain a creative life.
A pivotal shift came with the discovery of copper. Drawn to its responsiveness, warmth and evolving patina, Wright found a material that reflected the same individuality and unpredictability he valued in timber.
Today, he works primarily with hand tools, combining traditional craftsmanship with sustainable production methods that allow his designs to evolve while remaining accessible. His work seeks to echo rather than imitate nature, creating objects that feel calm, balanced and timeless. Rather than telling specific stories, his pieces invite quiet engagement, offering a sense of flow and stillness that deepens over time.
Daniel Wright is a sculptural copper artist with more than 37 years of experience. His practice is grounded in a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, material exploration, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Wright’s creative journey began in West Auckland, where the bush and wild west coast beaches shaped his connection to nature and form. Introduced to making through woodwork at Avondale College, he developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship, refined surfaces and the quiet focus of hands-on work.
Working initially with bone, native timber and driftwood, he later expanded into furniture, carving and sculpture. Surfing became a significant influence, inspiring both the organic forms of his work and a lifestyle that took him across Aotearoa and Australia. Alongside his artistic practice, he worked in manual trades, developing the resilience and practical skills needed to sustain a creative life.
A pivotal shift came with the discovery of copper. Drawn to its responsiveness, warmth and evolving patina, Wright found a material that reflected the same individuality and unpredictability he valued in timber.
Today, he works primarily with hand tools, combining traditional craftsmanship with sustainable production methods that allow his designs to evolve while remaining accessible. His work seeks to echo rather than imitate nature, creating objects that feel calm, balanced and timeless. Rather than telling specific stories, his pieces invite quiet engagement, offering a sense of flow and stillness that deepens over time.
Stingray - large
$165.00
Pair of Mussel shells
$720.00
Stingray - small
$95.00
Summer Taranaki - small
$225.00
Kina - medium
$365.00
Summer Taranaki - small
$225.00
Stingray - small
$95.00
Summer Taranaki - small
$225.00
Celebrating Oceanic beauty
Are you curious to hear about Daniel Wright's artistic journey?
We had the pleasure of chatting with Daniel and going into depths about his passions + process.