Artist’s note

This sculpture, made from rosewood, was finished during a second lockdown in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The working title 'Surrender' was given an unintended second meaning as we, the almighty human race, were surrendering, involuntarily, to a non-living piece of viral RNA that operates on a nano-scale unfathomable to us. The consequences it provoked (mostly revolving around stay-at-home as much as you can) thankfully aided the progress that I made on the sculpture, although it still took about two months to complete. More importantly, working on the piece helped in terms of providing a much needed distraction, if not escape, from reality - almost in a therapeutic sense - although this generally applies to sculpting, regardless of a lockdown.

At least this sculpting thing is something I can control, with only a few limiting factors to consider: predominantly my technical ability, imagination and grit (in that order I'd say and I hope one day my ability will catch up with my imagination). More tools would be helpful as well mind you: I am very close to buying a small chainsaw but in the meantime still rely on my usual set of chisels, rasps and files and endless pieces of sanding paper. I romantically cling on to the idea that there is some credit in doing everything manually. (Perhaps a nasty remnant from my Catholic upbringing: the persistent notion that all my blisters, cuts and sore shoulders - suffering in other words - will eventually lead to reward.)

The windy path from a rough trunk to a silky-smooth sculpture does involve surrendering, voluntarily, to the effort needed to reveal the beauty of the material and the shapes that hide beneath its surface. Surrendering to love in other words: the love for what you do, for yourself and for those around you - which comes closer to the intent of this piece. Few things in life are as gratifying when all these processes result in something to cherish, admire and be proud of, in all walks of life.