Willow

Materials: Willow wood, cast stone, gold paint, gold wax
Dimensions: 57 × 20 × 18 cm
Techniques: Slow carving, mold making and casting

This piece began by simply following the wood itself.
Carved from a section of a willow trunk, the form developed into an organic shape that reveals the inner lines and rhythm of the tree’s heartwood.

On one part of the form I carved a subtle pattern and filled it with gold paint. The contrast between the pale wood and the warm gold highlights the movement of the form and draws the eye along its curves.

Originally the sculpture rested on a remaining slice of the trunk, finding its own balance on the natural slope of the wood.
To bring more tension and clarity I created a cast of this base in stone. The cast stone is finished with gold wax, bringing depth to the surface and allowing the original bark texture to remain visible.

Willow is a dialogue between growth and stillness, between raw wood and refined detail.

Photos: Paul Driessen