Treasure found: Works of art by sculptor Mark Jones

Auckland, New Zealand

A few years ago, Jones saw a tree trunk outside the office of Habitat’s Greater Auckland affiliate. The timber was from a larger macrocarpa tree that had stood there — an oak native to New Zealand. “Mark inquired on the off chance we’d part with it,” says Conrad LaPointe, Habitat Auckland’s resourcing manager. “Our chairman gladly donated it to Mark. In recognition, Mark said he wanted to carve a piece for us.”

Soon, Jones returned to the Habitat office with his creation, an elegantly pared wooden seat. The wavy, swirling sculpture was a thank-you gift from Jones, but it was also the beginning of a fruitful relationship. Visit the Auckland ReStore today and you’ll frequently see original sculptures from Jones — including bowls, ornamentals and larger wooden furniture pieces.