Biography
Anton Forde (Taranaki, Gaeltacht, Gaelic, English) began carving at age 18 and studied art under influential sculptors Paul Dibble, Gary Whiting and Paul Hansen. While at Massey University, the Māori Visual Arts Programme Toioho ki Āpiti was being founded by Professor Robert Jahnke, which served to validate Forde’s chosen path. Under the supervision of Professor Jahnke, Forde gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts with Distinction, and also achieved a Masters of Māori Visual Arts with First Class Honours. Massey University has been ranked in the top 100 creative universities in the world.
Forde has since spent extended periods living in his Nana’s part of the country (Taranaki- Ngāti Ruanui- Iwi Taranaki), with the majestic Maunga Taranaki ever-present, and in Ireland where he discovered ancient art histories. He now calls Waiheke Island home with his wife Karle, their son Te Kōmako and daughter Tūī Mary.
Forde has exhibited both as a solo artist and as part of group exhibition in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and the U.S.A. He has sculptures in public and private collections both in Aotearoa and around the world.