Forms

Sometimes, depending precisely on the time one has available, because it's very time consuming, sculpture can be an interesting and rewarding 'pastime'.
A particular interest, for example, is in perceiving the possibility of anatomical forms, including those of animals such as birds, if not quasi complete human figures, in wood or stone, and in trying to bring out these forms as much as possible whilst respecting the essential nature of the material used.

In other words, in bringing out the form one has already prediscerned, it's important not to go too far to the point of encroaching on the essential character and nature of whatever materiel is being carved or sculpted. The results should therefore be a pleasing marriage between a recognisable form of life, either human or animal, and the inanimate nature of the material itself. This doesn't mean a marriage between a form of life and death, because all materials, including stone, evoke life by their form, and certainly by their own 'history'. For obvious reasons a piece of wood evokes life, and far more recent history, even more clearly.

In principle, the examples shown, should convey this better than any explanation. If they don't then perhaps they are not successful, even if the 'sculptor' was satisfied with the results obtained within the limits imposed by the material.

The various stones were found randomly.
Most appreciators of life would have the additional inclination to discern what they might consider to be the most attractive part of female anatomy in divers inanimate materials, (which is not necessarily obsessional). Trying to bring this out, (de le mettre en valeur) with enhancement and respect, is naturally a challenge and joy in itself.

Ideally, the principle of allowing a medium to express itself by its own nature, should be applied generally. Certainly with the medium of water-colour, for example.

The wood carvings of birds are from the heart of cherry wood. The walking monk that looks like a French baguette, is carved from a branch of blue cedar.
The half nose is all that could be 'salvaged' from a piece of drift wood-root. But perhaps even that shouldn't be sniffed at..


 

Sculptures and images © Mirino (PW) July, 2012