Steve Solomon

Kai Tahu/Kāti Māmoe/Waitaha/Ngāti Whakaue/Ngāti Pikiao/Te Whānau-ā-Apanui

Steve Solomon is a toi whakairo artist and sculptor based in Tāhuna, working across Te Waipounamu with wood, stone, and steel. Steve leads Down South Whakairo, a whānau-based creative kaupapa grounded in Māori design, innovation, and community connection. He’s built a practice continued through the next generation — creating public and private works that carry both craftsmanship and cultural depth.

His work is grounded in purpose — bringing together traditional knowledge and contemporary forms, from carved pou and large-scale steel structures to school artworks, signage, and architectural features — all designed to reflect and uplift the communities they’re made for.

Steve has collaborated widely across Aotearoa with organisations including Creative New Zealand, Department of Conservation, Southland District Council, Aukaha, Otago Polytechnic, Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust, and Te Ao Mārama — alongside a wide network of kura, iwi, marae and community partners throughout Murihiku and beyond.

Through this mahi, he continues to shape spaces, strengthen identity, and encourage others to step into the creative world — showing what’s possible when tradition and contemporary life are brought together with intention.