Sean Syman is a carver from Wellington, New Zealand creating miniature sculptures in a variety of locally sourced materials for his pieces, primarily deer antler, wood and bone. He finds the process of carving a meditative experience, taking his time and using hand tools wherever he can to better feel the shape and form of a piece as it develops. Sean enjoys making small pieces that are meant to be held in the hand and felt as part of the engagement with the work, with much inspiration taken from the style and forms of traditional and contemporary Japanese Netsuke. Sean looks to inspire the observer to connect with their sense of childlike joy and wonder in his work through the use of whimsical animal characters and sneaky surprises.