This piece is inspired by the black bulls of the Camarge in southern France. During my time as an apprentice guardian (cowgirl) on a working farm in the Camarge I learned how to herd and manage the farm's prize herd of black bulls. These small, feisty beasts are bred for their meat and to participate in the traditional Course Camargue games, a bloodless spectator sport.
This unique figurine is handcarved from sweetchestnut. I planted a sweetchestnut tree in my front garden almost fifteen years ago. It quickly outgrew its space and shaded the rest of the garden from vital light. This year I began pruning the larger lower branches and used the wood to make a series of carved figurines.
I work with a small whittling knife to shape the wood. The sculpture is finished with milk paint and beeswax. It has been mounted on a hardwood plinth.
I am keen to make sustainable artwork using locally sourced, environmentally friendly, renewable materials.
This unique figurine is handcarved from sweetchestnut. I planted a sweetchestnut tree in my front garden almost fifteen years ago. It quickly outgrew its space and shaded the rest of the garden from vital light. This year I began pruning the larger lower branches and used the wood to make a series of carved figurines.
I work with a small whittling knife to shape the wood. The sculpture is finished with milk paint and beeswax. It has been mounted on a hardwood plinth.
I am keen to make sustainable artwork using locally sourced, environmentally friendly, renewable materials.