Oliver Chalk, a Kent-based artist, transforms discarded wood into captivating sculptural vessels. His pieces, crafted from maple burl, cherry, and ash, celebrate the raw beauty of nature while showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. Chalk scours the countryside for timber reclaimed from storms, arborists, and natural decay, imbuing each piece with a unique story. These vessels, at once delicate and robust, are characterized by their voluminous forms adorned with intricate patterns and textures. Striations, pits, and ridges define the spherical shapes, while flaws like knots and holes emerge as focal points, lending each piece a distinct character.
In a recent artistic exploration, Chalk translated his wooden forms into bronze sculptures. Awarded a scholarship from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, he experimented with patination to emphasize the metal’s surface characteristics. By burying the bronze pieces in the earth for extended periods, Chalk allowed natural elements to etch unique markings onto the metal, creating a dialogue between the organic and the industrial.
More info: Website, Instagram.
