Sculpture >> sculpture

Doug King-Smith makes sculptures from a variety of woods, principally Oak and Sequoia. He works from a woodland studio in Totnes, Devon, and is a member of Sustainable Makers, The Art Organisation, and the Transition Town network.

Inspired by nature’s flowing forms and the elements, his work has been described as reminiscent of Celtic knot-work, Maori totemic design, and Arabic fretwork. His sculptures are perfect for both indoor and outdoor display and have been sold throughout the UK

Described as 'taking a medium as far as it can go... it is amazing what you can do with a chainsaw' by A Tuckey, Birdwood House Gallery, Doug will be exhibiting throughout Devon in 2008, as well as having been invited to exhibit at Glastonbury Festival 2007 and 2008.

All of Doug’s work is made using a chainsaw and sand finished. The works embody forces of both fury and subtlety, harmonising two seemingly opposite energies to create a graceful play of shadow, light, and movement.

'It is the trasnformative process of making which I find so fascinating. Using a chainsaw is a particularly violent act - handling this powerful machine puts me in touch with my own primal force of creativity and destruction. The forms I try to reveal in the wood are sublimations of this primal creative force - delicate, inspiring, sensual, light. It is through working with such noise and violence that I feel able to create an embodiment of the harmony I perceive in everything.

The wood which Doug uses has been sourced from companies specialising in sustainable wood resource management in the UK.

Doug is committed to sustainable living, and makes efforts to keep his energy consumption to a minimum. Using a chainsaw, dependent on the use of fossil fuels, is an interesting quandary to work with. Doug is actively involved in planting and working within woodland, and is also exploring green-wood work which does not demand any energy other than his peddling legs.

FOR IMAGES VISIT http://www.artdevon.com/artists/doug_king_smith