Connection No.1 Sculpture

"Connection No. 1" 2017 - Yellow Cedar There were four pieces of wood planed flat and glued up to form the block to start the sculpture. All the intricacies of carving out the inside pars of the sculpture was done incrementally over a long period of time. I used hand tools to access those awkward places and this piece was a test of perseverance. The finishing cuts methods followed the grain angle/surface shape allowance thereby affecting a natural solution. I worked within what the wood/form allowed me to do and made the choices from within that technical structure. Finishing cut solutions for the surfaces of each hard-to-reach area depended on the shape of the tool and blade, the access route and the grain angle at that area. The sanded areas and gouged/knife cut areas interplay visually adding another layer of complexity to the surface. The tools used to finish include: a Japanese skew knife, sloyd knife, sand paper, chisels, and gouges. Stemming from the original forms of the metamorphic concept I wanted to make the sculpture more complex with 3 entities (two larger masses and the intermediary mass - or symbiotic mass) The whole concept line is an exploration in relationships, subtle and simple curves, and conflict/resolution. The idea for this sculpture was very much in line with that concept. There is an apparent struggle between the two larger parts but since the intermediary part is grounded as well, there is almost a feeling of futility. Behind it all, as a whole piece there is a sense of harmony and peace.