Ricky Swallow |
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08:38 /
17.11.2006
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New exhibition from woodcarving virtuoso Ricky Swallow, which doesn't fail to impress with dazzling technique, but occasionally slips into pure craft territory with it's keeness to amaze. In one piece sets of balls are trapped within the lattice like section of a human bone, all carved from a single section of timber. The sheer skill involved in releasing the balls from within the wood is a nifty trick, but comes over as a strictly 'wood craft fair'. The more sucessful pieces conjure up situations where objects become more poignant over time. |
On the floor of the exhibition sea anemones grow from a painstakingly carved skull, and although skulls have become a bit of an over-used icon of late in both the graphic design and art, stamping an artwork with instant 'cool' through the lame heavy metal referance, Ricky manages to achieve a little more profoundity through the more traditional nudge to mortality and transcience. In another work a trainer that looks casually chucked up into a tree as a joke, becomes much more melancholic carved into a wooden stasis with every day that passes. |
My god! this is quite amazing work! I've been getting back into carving again, although it's clay and stone right now. His work makes me want to get back into wood again.
very nice!
very nice!
Posted by Tony Graham
20:54 / 12/05/2007
20:54 / 12/05/2007
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