Moving across artistic disciplines, Steven Gwaliasi employees distinctive metaphors in his sculpture and jewellery making processes.

Steven has seen much success a sculptor and jeweller as well as an educator. He has taught sculpture at Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Greymouth and community programmes at Westland High School. He also runs workshops out of his Hokitika based studio, providing opportunities to craft a piece of jewellery. As well as having his jewellery widely exhibited, Steven has participated in sculpture symposiums across the country. Steven was awarded 3^rd for his category at the World Art Market for contemporary ethnic art at the Museum of Anthropology,

Steven works across a variety of artistic disciplines, from the delicacy of his jewellery and body adornment pieces to the distinctive metaphors employed in his larger sculptural works. Steven's Solomon Islands heritage features prominently in his work, alongside the heavy influence of the West Coast environment that surrounds him. He frequently incorporates Solomon Island motifs, particularly those from the island of Malaita, including the frigate bird and references to ancestors and voyaging. Steven comments, "Rediscovering my own cultural identity seems an inevitable experience when struggling to make sense of a confusing new environment. Isolated from my roots I needed answers. Melanesian features are expressed and embraced into sculptural works of cultural importance to me.  Often I tend to bring out strong and figurative Melanesian symbols - they all have a story to tell.”

Steven’s jewellery has been widely exhibited including Le Folauga, Auckland Museum, 2007. His works are in public and private collections nationwide including a Melanesian totem sculpture Sea Spirit (nguzu-nguzu),1990 commissioned by the Pacific Business Trust at South Markets, Otahuhu and a serpentine sculpture Tuatara - the Peace Maker, 2000 at Westland High School in the South Island. Steven is also represented by Parnell Gallery, Auckland.