About

This carving masterclass offers a unique opportunity for young people to reconnect with our Pacific heritage in a deeply authentic way. It celebrates our culture through a practice that has been cherished for generations and is now becoming rare in many of our communities. There’s immense power in using our own Pacific hands and our own techniques to tell our stories, passing down the knowledge and values that define us. This workshop aims to preserve this sacred practice, fostering pride in our traditions and keeping our cultural stories alive through the art of carving.

Artist Bio:
My name is Jim To’o Stretton. I am of Samoan and European descent, and I have been carving for over 15 years—a craft inspired by my father, after whom I am also named. Carving is not just a skill I’ve developed; it’s a deep passion that connects me to my roots and my heritage.

However, the things I am most proud of in my life are my beautiful two children and my wife, Naomi Stretton. In everything I do, my hope and prayer is that this journey of carving will not only make them proud but also help them feel more connected to their culture, just as my father inspired me.

Ultimately, I am passionate about our Pacific people and culture, and I hope that one day I can intertwine both my carving and wellbeing work to help reconnect our people with their cultural identity, leading to better mental and emotional wellbeing for us all.

Instagram: js_carvings

Sponsored by Wayfinders and supported by Te Oro.

Jim To’o Stretton

Jim To'o Filiva'a Stretton is 30 years old, proudly of Samoan and European descent, and the owner of JS Carvings Ltd. He has been carving for nearly 20 years, but what he is most proud of is his beautiful family—his incredible wife, Naomi, and their two young children, aged three and two.

What he loves most about his carving ventures is the opportunity to reconnect with his Pacific culture and create spaces for others to do the same. Carving is an increasingly rare Indigenous art form, and part of his vision is to revive and celebrate this knowledge, inspiring others to see the importance of embracing their own cultural practices for their overall well-being.

Beyond creating hand-carved pieces, Jim also runs carving workshops, craft unique photo frames and canvases, and shares his work worldwide. But this is just the beginning. His dream is to inspire the next generation of Pacific creatives—showing them that pursuing art and culture can be a successful and fulfilling path.

Jim is deeply grateful for the support of his family and community, and excited to see where this journey takes him next.