Winning form

The relationship between form, material and artist comes together perfectly in sculptural art. Sometimes the most refined work can create an evocative, even dramatic presence.

The Trends Sculptor of the Year Award was a popular event at the Waitakere Home & Garden Show. Amongst a wealth of talented artists and diverse artistic styles, Andrew Deadman took out top honours with his fluid, highly worked sculpture, Antiquity.

What particularly impressed the judges was Deadman's treatment of materials.

"Although the sculpture is made of swamp kauri, it has been so skilfully crafted it could have been carved from a piece of polished brown stone. The design is quiet and refined, yet creates a striking impression. It also forms a connection with the environment without being too literal and demonstrates an exceptional level of skill and attention to detail."

The sculptor says the piece was carved from 5000-year-old swamp kauri that he had saved from the fire by the timely offering to the owner of a dozen beer.

Formed from some of the oldest wood on the planet, the sculpture depicts the shell of the Nautilus, a sea creature of ancient origins, often referred to as a living fossil hence the name of the work, explains Deadman.

"This was quite a technical piece that had to reflect depth and space to bring a lightness of tone and form to the interior of the shell. At the same time, the ancient kauri was a very fragile material to work with.

"After shaping the sculpture, I had to seal, oil and wax the work a painstaking process that took several months."

Andrew Deadman describes himself as a naturalist sculptor, in that his work realistically depicts natural forms. The very first sculpture he made 20 years ago is a case in point.

"Contemplating an Australian Silky Oak tree trunk in Sydney, I thought the shape and mass of my hand would fit within its volume. With two square chisels and a great deal of energy, I made my first work The Hand."

To find out more about the sculptures of Andrew Deadman, phone 021 2722 446, email: deadarmo@xtra.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas