Glass Banana in Ruby
$315
Conversation Piece: Devon Made
The most compelling objects in our homes aren't always the most rare or conspicuous—they’re the ones that feel unexpected, storied, and singular. "Conversation Piece" is an investigation into the personal artifacts that prompt questions, spark intrigue, and reveal something essential about their keepers.
April 25, 2025
Beyond artist Devyn Ormsby’s meticulously crafted glass fruit sculptures (which she creates under the name Devon Made Glass), she cultivates a relationship with objects that speaks volumes about heritage, lineage, and the quiet power of cultural reclamation. Working from her Auckland studio, the Indigenous artist (whose practice draws from her Nga Puhi, Ngati Ranginui, Te Arawa, and Ngati Kahungunu roots) invited us into her space to share the Māori waka huia that anchors her collection—a treasure vessel whose intricate carvings and narrative presence cultivate a dialogue between ancestral knowledge and future inheritance.
What object in your home alway
gets people asking questions?
The most beautiful and special object I have is my waka huia—a Maori treasure container made to store valuable items. When people visit and see it, they're very intrigued and say, "Wow! Where did you get this from? This looks like it should be in a museum."
How did it come into your life?
I was gifted this from my parents for my 21st birthday. They commissioned their friend Simon Madgwick to create this piece for me. Simon is a master Maori carver with pieces in museums and galleries. It ended up taking 5 years to complete, and when I first saw it, I understood why. The intricate details would have required a lot of time and skill. The design and patterns represent my whakapapa (genealogy), making it even more unique and specific to me.
What feels special about it when
you hold or touch it?
This piece is carved from Totara, a native tree here in Aotearoa. Its hard-wearing qualities make it an ideal timber for carving and give it a warm look. One of my favorite details are the paua shell eyes set into the wood, giving a glowy, lively look to the faces.
Where do you keep it in your home?
It lives in our lounge, which is the cozy nook area of our house. Here we relax, read, and watch movies. The main feature of this room is our shelving unit that displays our favorite things—like the waka huia—along with books, pottery, and sculptures. I like to rearrange the display for fun and add to it. We've lived here for nearly 2 years, so there's space for more things to collect.
Does it fit with your usual style,
or does it stand apart?
In my mind, I have always separated art and Māori art, which has kept me making work that I feel is neutral for the audience and has held me back from producing work specific to my cultural identity. This comes from a fear of rejection or shame, and not feeling adequate enough to make work about me and my heritage. I think it's an effect of colonization that I'm working through. As I've grown older, I've come to truly appreciate the history, talent, beauty, and meaning of Māori art and have realized they're intertwined in my way of thinking. I just need to tap into it and acknowledge it. My waka huia reminds me of this every time I look at it. It is the most precious thing I have and probably will ever have.
What does it mean to you in
your everyday life?
This piece gives me a sense of identity and belonging. It makes me feel loved and that I am an important member of my family. I will pass it onto my children and hope that it becomes a family heirloom for generations to come, continuing to give that sense of identity, belonging, and love.
