Rima - Sculptural Wall Art

Rima is a one-of-a-kind 897 piece sculptural wall artwork handcrafted from five species of centuries-old, river-recovered New Zealand native timbers.

Over the past five years I’ve refined my craft and philosophy as a wood artist.
Rima is the culmination of that journey and the first in a limited series.

At the heart of Rima lies a tessellation of 555 hand-cut and arranged pieces of River Kauri, River Rimu, River Tōtara, River Mataī, and River Puriri.
All colours present in these timbers are naturally occurring—no stains or dyes have been used; these hues are the result of nothing more than exposure to water, sediment and time.

The colour differentiation between the inner and outer layers of the central pattern reflects the same five species, sourced from ten distinct logs ethically recovered by NZ Native Riverwood.
Half of the logs were gently preserved by the awa (river), retaining many of their original tones —
The other half, darkened by more than a century submerged in mineral-rich waters.

Each log carries its own whakapapa, stretching back to a time long before European settlement. Together, they’re woven into Rima — a quiet story told in grain and gradient, shaped by land, water, and time.

Numerology is the idea that numbers hold symbolic and energetic significance beyond their mathematical function.

Encoded into Rima are many layers of numerical and mathematical significance.

Crafted in harmony with sacred geometry, each diamond measures 30mm across; each hexagon, 60mm—reflecting the 30 and 60 degree angles from which these shapes are formed.

Governed by the golden ratio, Rima's 897-piece raised panel is proportioned as a perfect golden rectangle.

Its final piece count is far from arbitrary.
Divided by the 555-piece central tessellation, it approximates phi Φ to 2 decimal places, further deepening its relationship to the divine proportion.

Numbers of significance –

5
The number of transformation, freedom, and balance — tied to the elements, the senses, and the human form.
Rima draws its name and essence from this number.

555
A marker of major shifts. Where 5 symbolizes change, 555 amplifies it.
The 555-piece core speaks to transformation, freedom and personal growth.

Φ (Phi)
Also known as the divine proportion, Φ ≈ 1.618 is found in galaxies, sunflowers, nautilus shells, and ancient temples.
In numerology, it symbolizes perfect harmony, an ideal balance between opposites.
That Rima’s structure echoes Phi — both in physical dimensions and in its numerical ratios — places the piece within the lineage of sacred design, where form follows cosmic law.

897
Not a traditional numerology figure, but rich in meaning:
8 – power and material mastery
9 – completion and wisdom
7 – spiritual depth and inner knowing

Together, 8-9-7 traces a path from strength, to understanding, to insight — reflecting Rima’s journey from raw timber to resonance.

Technical details for collectors and curators:

• Dimensions: 555mm (W) × 875mm (H) × 50mm (D)
• Frame: (integrated) River Mataī with Black River Mataī dowels
• Finish: Rubio Monocoat Pure (VOC-free oil)
• Mounting: Integrated French cleat system (zero-gap, wall-ready)

This is the first in a limited series, offered exclusively through Awa Woodworks.
Every element—from shaping to finish—was done by hand. No CNC, no reproduction.

All timber was recovered and milled ethically and sustainably by NZ Native Riverwood. To learn more about their extraordinary timber and process, see the linked page: About NZ Native Riverwood.

Signed, dated, and featuring an inlaid Awa Woodworks logo on rear.
Includes certificate of authenticity and full artist statement.

This work is available by direct enquiry only. Pricing reflects its singular nature, craftsmanship, and collector significance.

This is a singular work in every sense, never to be repeated.