Artist’s Statement
As a contemporary Scottish artist, my practice is principally concerned with sculpture, with a particular emphasis on the materiality and expressive potential of wood. Through my work, I engage in an exploration of form, negative space, and the inherent qualities of wood as a medium. The resulting sculptures aim to balance both aesthetic rigor and conceptual depth, offering a dynamic and multifaceted body of work that I hope invites sustained intellectual and sensory engagement.
The use of sustainably sourced wood is central to my artistic practice, reflecting a conscious alignment with ecological principles and a deep respect for the natural environment. This material choice not only underscores my commitment to sustainability but also serves as a vehicle for exploring the environment and the celebration of nature through the medium of sculpture. In this sense, the work becomes a dialogue between human intervention and the intrinsic qualities of the natural world, suggesting a harmonious relationship between art and ecology.
While my process is grounded in traditional craftsmanship, particularly through the use of the lathe, my approach is not confined to conventional methods. The lathe in some cases, serves as an initial tool within a broader practice that integrates both time-honoured techniques and modern innovations. This duality of approach is intentional, allowing for the creation of forms that I intend to resonate with both historical lineage and contemporary sensibilities. By juxtaposing traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies, my work becomes an inquiry into the tension and synergy between the past and the present.
Beyond formal considerations, my work seeks to engage the viewer on both a visual and tactile level. Sculpture, as a medium, offers a unique opportunity to engage multiple senses, and I encourage the viewer to not only observe but physically engage with the work. The materiality of wood -its texture, weight, and surface qualities -becomes integral to the experience of the piece, inviting a visceral response that transcends visual appreciation alone.
Through my artistic practice, I aim to create works that are both aesthetically compelling and intellectually provocative. My sculptures, I hope, function as immersive objects, intended to encourage reflection on themes of nature, human interaction with the environment, and the enduring relevance of traditional craft in an increasingly digitised world. Ultimately, I believe my work aspires to foster a dialogue between the past and present, inviting the viewer to reconsider the role of sculpture in contemporary discourse and its capacity to mediate the relationship between humanity and the natural world.