One of the very first pieces that I turned in my new shop almost 2 years ago was a hollowform turned from a nice block of Cherry wood. I knew that I wanted to do some type of creative re-shaping of it, but I hadn't really formulated a clear picture in my mind yet. So up it went on a shelf to sit and dry while I ruminated. Little did I know the rumination would last for over a year! But finally a concept started formulating in my mind.
I knew that I wanted to do some kind of vine-like pattern with some symmetry to it, but at the same time I also wanted to do something organic and 'random'. I started reflecting on the tension within myself between these two distinct motifs I was attracted to, and that recognition is what ended up evolving into the final pattern for the piece.
More specifically, the spiral “vines” represent my more logical, symmetrical, pattern-oriented side. In between each set of vines are a series of leaves that are caught up in a “whirlwind”, representing a sense of tension and movement. And finally, the leaves themselves are constituted by a seemingly random set of organic, connecting lines, which are the fabric that holds it all together.
And while on a personal level the piece is intended to represent that tension, considered from a more macro perspective the piece also speaks to perception more generally. In nature, when we look at something up close we often see nothing but randomness, but when we zoom out the bigger picture often comes into focus and it all becomes coherent. But one could ask, is it really organized? Or does our mind just see it that way? Yes, I was a Philosophy major :-).
The photos below show the rough steps of the creation process. All said, the piece took roughly 70 hours to complete.
Specs:
Species: Cherry - turned, carved, and pierced
Dimensions: 6 3/4" x 5"
Finish: Custom oil blend
Status: SOLD