Bent oak coat rack

In addition to more geometric works, I explored organic shapes during my year at Sturt.  

This piece was the result of experimentation with bending and shaping solid wood, and is clearly inspired by the timber’s natural source.  Each stave was hand shaped before steam bending both ends; the upper curves all unique. 

I could make a statement about the laminated bands representing man’s desire to restrain the natural world, but that’s going a little far, isn’t it?

Although somewhat functional, it is probably better as an unadorned sculpture, yearning for the outdoors, so I have placed it by a window with a view onto a glorious Chinese Elm in our garden.

American white oak supplied by Monaro timbers.

Photography by @danielmulheran.