In the past year I have been excited about learning sculpture. This one started out as a test for a larger sculpture I’ve been envisioning for more than a year, but I fell in love with the test! I needed a test because wood can’t be fired in a kiln, so I was learning how to use Pal Tiya, a cement-based clay that cures with water.
To test it with wood, I found this branch that broke off our cottonwood tree, exposing the inside wood. I used aluminum foil and wire to create the armature. Once finished, the sculpture is cured in water for a minimum of 8 days and then dried for a month before painting and adding the leaves, crystals, moss and other natural items. The leaves are real aspen leaves preserved with epoxy resin.
Not only is this my first (successful) sculpture using this type of clay, I also made my first ever process video! I’m learning so many things!)
So here is Heartwood Dance, a sculpture that celebrates our ability as humans to connect deeply with trees and nature as a whole. Heartwood is the central, most vital part of a tree. This sculpture symbolizes a dance that emerges from the deepest, most essential part of both the woman and the tree. On that deep level, we are connected.
Heartwood Dance will be on display at The Gallery ABQ in Albuquerque during the month of August as part of the preview show for the Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour in September.