December 2021 saw a marked change in the direction of my work. My aim had been to create an immersive woodland experience for the viewer by arranging and grouping individual tree forms, with a limited degree of success. Inspired by Paul Nash’s painting “Wood on the Downs” I created a sculptural wooded landscape, which, although in need of refinement, has provided much food for thought.
I intend to make a series of sculptural wooded landscapes which evoke a sense of place, expressing the shapes, textures, and colours of the living landscape, both above and below our feet, thus making the hidden visible.
I have spent most of my life beside the woods and landscape of Towneley and Cliviger and this project is underpinned by my sense of place and belonging. My work is my response to the natural world and the seasonal changes of growth, decay and renewal in the woodland, its trees and silver birches in particular. I have an interest in the changes which happen above the ground but also beneath it, in the hidden world of the underground fungal network which connects the trees and facilitates their communication. The geology of the Cliviger Gorge reveals fascinating features created during the last Ice Age, the strata hidden beneath the surface of the landscape providing a vibrant mix of colour and texture. It is my intention to celebrate these unseen worlds in my sculptural wooded landscapes.
Thievely Scout, Cliviger Gorge
Two maquettes representing Thieveley Scout
The form on the left is made using a draping technique, the form on the right is made by joining cylindrical forms. I prefer the draping technique and find the angle of the form reflects the lie of the landscape.
Next steps:
I am in the process of testing a variety of oxides before deciding which colours would suit the pieces best.
I am experimenting with various tree forms and their positioning.
Also looking at a recipe for a rutile green glaze.
I think a finished piece would represent Spring when new growth is beginning to cover the millstone grit of the landscape.
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