Sculptures
It was sculpting that originally drew me to willow weaving and I love the challenge of capturing the essence of an animal. I start by studying photos of the animal so that I can get the proportions correct (although I do exaggerate certain features, such as the ears of a hare).
An indoor sculpture is made entirely of willow, while an outdoor one has a basic metal armature to lift the sculpture off the ground which then has a willow frame built around it. Willow is layered over the frame to give the sculpture solidity and texture. Once the sculpture is complete, I allow it to dry so the willow hardens. After this, an outdoor sculpture is sprayed twice with a waterproofing treatment with additional drying time after each coat.
How to Order a Commission
I usually make sculptures to order, so please get in touch to discuss your requirements. It would be helpful to have a few months notice, as I quickly get booked up.
Occasionally, I have a sculpture for sale at my studio so please contact me to see if I have anything available.
How to Care for Your Sculpture
Outdoor sculptures will be waterproof treated before dispatch. They need retreated every year. The sculptures should be allowed to dry out for a week indoors and then treated with a 50:50 boiled linseed oil/white spirit mix. The mixture can be applied liberally using a plant spray bottle. It is easier to spray outdoors and let the sculpture drip dry on a dry day, before allowing it to dry fully indoors for up to a week before being returned back outside. Sculptures should be stored inside during the winter.