Rex Homan – Carving the Spirit of Birds in Wood and Tradition

In the world of sculpture, few artists capture the quiet majesty of nature with the grace and reverence of Rex Homan. Born in New Zealand in 1940 and of Māori, Irish, and Scottish descent, Homan brings a deeply rooted cultural awareness to his wooden creations—particularly his signature subject: birds. These are not mere representations, but spiritual homages—fluid forms that speak to both ancestral heritage and natural beauty.

Rooted in Heritage: Early Life & Influences

Growing up in Auckland and later moving to the Bay of Plenty, a region rich with Māori culture and storytelling, Homan was immersed early in a worldview that reveres nature and its spirit. This upbringing shaped more than his aesthetic—it laid the philosophical groundwork for a lifetime of work. His heritage, a rich blend of Māori, Irish, and Scottish lineage, can be seen in every curve and contour of his sculptures.

A Career in Flight: Style & Artistic Journey

Launching his career in the 1960s and ’70s, Homan developed a distinctive style that merges bold abstraction with serene elegance. Birds—owls, puffins, herons, seabirds—became his lifelong focus. Each sculpture combines layered woodwork with strategic painting, often using color-blocking to emphasize movement or character: a sharp beak, an arched wing, a steady gaze.

One of his most compelling regional series was created in Vancouver, where he sculpted local bird species with care and specificity. These works honor not only the birds themselves but the ecological stories of the places they inhabit.

Art as Ceremony: Themes & Philosophy

What sets Homan apart is his belief that art goes beyond visual representation. His sculptures are spiritual offerings—a concept deeply resonant with Māori beliefs, where the natural world is animated by ancestral presence and sacred connections. He doesn’t just carve a bird—he honors its essence.

This philosophy resonates strongly with bird lovers everywhere, especially those who live close to wild habitats. In places like Broad Channel, near New York's Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Homan’s water birds and birds of prey feel deeply personal, reflecting local species and the quiet reverence of watching nature unfold.

Notable Works & Recognition

With a portfolio of nearly 200 original bird sculptures, Homan’s works have become cherished by collectors and galleries alike. A standout piece, “Reef Heron” (2008), fetched over $5,500 USD at an Atlanta auction, featuring his signature and a tag from the Spirit Wrestler Gallery in Vancouver—a long-time representative of his work.

His legacy has also been recognized at home in New Zealand. In 2019, RNZ (Radio New Zealand) spotlighted his work alongside other Māori creatives such as Derek Lardelli, acknowledging Homan’s pivotal role in preserving and evolving cultural storytelling through art.

Why Rex Homan Matters

• Cultural Fusion: His work weaves together the spiritual strands of Māori, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.

• Sculptural Elegance: Minimalist yet emotive, each piece distills the bird's spirit into shape and line.

• Place-Based Narratives: His regional focus ensures his art remains rooted in the ecological and cultural story of each bird.

• Sacred Intent: Beyond craftsmanship, Homan's work carries a ceremonial, almost reverent energy.

The Sculptural Experience

Viewing a Rex Homan sculpture is like catching a bird mid-glide, frozen in a moment of poised grace. His owls seem to contemplate in stillness. His herons, lean and elegant, recall silent marshes at dawn. His seabirds dive, soar, perch—each form capturing the kinetic and symbolic power of flight.

Crafted from rich-toned timbers—rimu, kauri, walnut—and shaped with precision, they are not only visual artworks but spiritual anchors.

In Closing

Rex Homan is more than a wood sculptor—he is a storyteller, a cultural bridge, and a spiritual artisan. With nearly seven decades of dedication, his birds continue to resonate around the world, from the shores of New Zealand to the galleries of Vancouver and beyond. His art reminds us that to honor a bird is to honor the land, the ancestors, and the sacred rhythms of life itself.

If you find meaning in birds, in nature, or in the quiet power of tradition, Homan’s work is a world worth entering.