Tree of Life III (Unique x1 only) Sculpture

Carl’s practice consists of the mediums sculpture, photography and painting and takes its inspiration from a number of sources e.g. influences emanating from the modernist period. Within his sculptures he mainly tries to follow the concept of trying to create work that has presence and vitality; from within that works in harmony with negative space and the surroundings. That is, trying to create work that has a presence and verve in its own right. Carl’s inspiration for his sculptures comes from varied sources. They can be for example his subconscious perception of an ex-girlfriend (who became his muse) as in the sculpture”Artemis”. Carl also derives inspiration from artefacts that he has initially drawn in the British Museum etc. These initial drawings then often morph into abstract drawings of three dimensional sculptures in their own right. He also draws inspiration from abstract elements that he has observed in architecture, photographed and then drew. Finally, rendering into a three dimensional form. Carl has additionally made sculptures in wood and stone utilising traditional wood and stone carving techniques. Carl has created a series of angular metal sculptures called “Tree of Life” from pieces of reclaimed metal which he configures before welding into shapes and forms. The “Tree of Life” series are a metaphor for the different directions one’s life can take depending on the choices one makes. If the decision was positive the corresponding element in the sculpture will gravitate upwards, if negative then downwards. If the decision leads to an impasse then this is represented in the sculpture as a sphere. Additionally, a parallel theme is that the juxtaposed materials (that work in space and have “vibrancy” about them) in his metal sculptures create tension. The rationale being that the contrast of the different elements placed side by side create fusion where they meet; at the same time maintaining their unique identity. The contrast of the elements (straight and curved/long and short) create a dynamism as they “work” against each other where they touch. Carl has endeavoured with his sculptures, to create works of art that have a dynamism of their own, that can exist in space (i.e. a powerful presence) with their own uniqueness that stand out and have an impact on their surroundings. A repetitive pattern can be observed within his metal sculptures in that the segments are interlaced and juxtaposed to produce a harmonious impression i.e.