My Inspirations

​

 

I have sourced three unique pieces of “bush wood”, from my hometown, “Pomona.” They are from the foothills of Mt Cooroora, located in the hinterland of Noosa. 

 

This was my childhood playground.

 

In the gully near the mountain is where I loose myself, searching for these special pieces of wood.

 

This particular type of bush wood I have used in the past.

 

The journey begins here.

 

Taking the wood back to the studio I use an angle grinder to sculpt back the surface, discovering it's hidden grains, rich with character revealing it's colors.

 

Methodically I develop scale drawings in charcoal or graphite, finding the creatures through a spiritual process of exploring its unique personality, playing and feeling the wood.  

 

This process morphs the hybrids reflecting on the creatures I grew up with, for example the goanna and Flathead, reflecting back to memories of playing on the beach, fishing, playing in the woods, climbing the mountain and all day bush walks.

 

I then sculpt on top of the scale drawing bringing the work to life in a three dimensional copy.

 

Using this method is successful in developing a relationship with the wood.

 

I morph Hybrid creatures reflecting on childhood memories. 

 

This process is a spiritual and physical journey.