Biography
Archie McCahon grew up in west Northland. Working from an early age in hospitality, he first started sculpting during his Chef’s apprenticeship, creating margarine sculptures for a buffet display. From this, he discovered that he preferred to ‘learn by doing’ and has chosen to hone his skills by working in bronze foundries rather than to pursue formal training in the arts.
McCahon created his first bronze in 2005, and he has been developing his subject matter since this point. He recalls “It was nothing spectacular, but a start, a mark in the ground. From there, I have been making bronzes as a process of learning. Nothing can be made unless I am capable of it. Exploring my capabilities and stretching them, while also investigating the diversity of bronze.” He has travelled extensively and most recently returned from a trip to Nepal where he spent hours experimenting in bronze foundries and walked Annapurna circuit, a 240 km walk to elevations of 5400 metres.
His travels help to inform his unique personal iconography, which continues to develop: “A gong, a set of bells, a nude, a lantern, a balancing feather, the wings of an albatross. Although I have not arrived here through a traditional academic pathway, I am enjoying the journey.”
May 2020