AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
The National Sculpture Symposium, 2014, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens.
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
For the National Sculpture Symposium, 2014, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens.
In the genesis of my artistic endeavors lies an ardent reverence for the ancient rock formations, gracefully strewn across this expansive estate. These monolithic marvels, once subjected to the whims of a Victorian obsession with reshaping nature's canvas, have now seamlessly merged with the very fabric of this land, alongside arboreal specimens plucked from the farthest corners of the globe. The recent melancholy that enveloped the estate following the demise of one of its venerable cedar trees, a stalwart since 1842, was palpable. Yet, this bittersweet event bestowed upon me an extraordinary gift – unfettered access to vast segments of magnificent wood, a bequest I endeavor to honor in my forthcoming creation.
The envisioned masterpiece shall be an ode to the heroic turbulence ingrained within the geological and botanical realms of the majestic Himalayas, echoing sacred geometries and the enigmatic principles of chaos theory. Through meticulous observation, I find solace in the cosmic alignment, where the celestial firmament mirrors the delicate symmetries adorning flowers and plants. Indeed, the hermetic aphorism of old, "As above, so below," resonates with profound alchemical wisdom, weaving a profound connection between macrocosm and microcosm.
The tools of my trade - chainsaw, fire, axe, and chisel - shall become extensions of my creative spirit, facilitating the emergence of a singular opus both robust and masculine, yet imbued with the ethereal essence of femininity. From the heart of loss, a phoenix shall rise, the transformation of something very special into an object of captivating beauty.
In this labor of love, I seek to evoke a symbiotic dance between the eternal and the ephemeral, celebrating the temporal while revealing the eternal imprints left by nature's hand. As I chisel away at the raw materials, a dialogue ensues, transcending the boundaries of time and materiality, culminating in a magnificent synthesis of artistic expression.
My pursuit is not solely to create, but to resonate with the soul of the earth, to commune with the essence of this estate's geological and arboreal heritage. It is an homage to the continuum of existence, a tribute to the passage of time, and a celebration of life's eternal transformation.
With thanks to: London Sculpture Workshop, Chelsea Arts Club Trust, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Forum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the Royal Society of British Sculptors.