A French native, Maddy studied Art History and Archeology at university which deepened her love for art and its rich history. She was particularly drawn to stone carving and the restoration of historical monuments. She spent the next 5 years working as an apprentice stone carver, sculptor, and restorator of Historical Monuments, mostly in Paris.  She immersed herself in carving, all the while falling in love with stones. This time in her life had a lasting influence on her own art.

 

In 2012, at the end of her first year as an apprentice, Maddy won the prestigious French 'Award Future Artistic Careers' from the 'National Institute of the Arts Careers'.  She passed her Diploma with distinction as a 'Stone Mason Specialised Sculptor, and Restorator of Historical Monuments'.

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In November 2015 Maddy travelled to New Zealand to discover a new culture, art, and influence. Almost immediately she was invited to participate in three local sculpture symposiums in Westport, Hokitika and Greymouth.  Bringing European style to New Zealand stone, she created a fusion of the two worlds and never looked back.

 

In August 2016, she discovered her love for jade carving, and met Nick. Together they created Kawakawa Stone Limited.  Since then, they have traveled the world, creating work and hunting for different Jade sources.  Through these travels, Maddy has discovered different jade cultures and arts, which has influenced her work and grown her practice. Every trip has been “eye opening” into endless sources of inspiration, ideas, and techniques.

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In 2017, Maddy participated in the International Jade Competition 'Zi Gang Bei' in Suzhou, China, and received a Gold Medal for her piece 'Ocean'.

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In 2019, Maddy participated again in the 'Zi Gang Bei' Festival in China and received another Gold Medal for her piece 'The Spring Puzzle'.