SOLD
This carving was on show in London at the
ATKINSON GROUP of COMPANIES showroom
8-11 St. John's Lane, EC1M 4BF. (Thanks Ray)
'Sonnet for Hope' 58cm x 135cm
Cut from tulip wood and protected by bee's wax and linseed oil.
This idea first appeared in my sketch book over ten years ago. The image is based on my wife's wedding spray which was made up of three arum lilies.
I wanted to carve an image that reflected the sentiments in one of Shakespear's sonnets,
"My Glass Shall not persuade me I am old."
I have always loved that one. The sentiment of love outlasting the lovers' bodies is one that I think rings true for many people.
The compact form of the sonnet has always been attractive to me. I suppose the density attracts me. It can be seen in very little time and then dwelt upon for much longer. I hope to include that density in the carving.
The physical sensuality of the carved forms need not be explained. I think it is self evident. The lillies are simply a vehicle to carry the forms to the eyes of the viewer in a coherent visual statement.
The carving was designed as a (horizontal) bed head or (upright) chimney breast centre piece and I imagine it hanging over the mantle in a family living room or over a big un-made bed.
Shakespear often used the idea of immortalising a lover in the lines of his verse and I also would tell my Esperanza that the careses that inspired the forms in the lilies are indelible in my mind and now on the wood.
'Esperanza' translates to the English word 'Hope'. So that is how I arrived at the title of the piece. It is simply a visual love sonnet for my wife. Once it is away from me it will be just like any sonnet, a symbol from one lover, to another.
K. D. Byne