Abstract Walnut Sculpture
Using rough-cut walnut wood from Haverford’s arboretum, I created a smooth, organic-shaped sculpture. I wanted to manipulate the wood to create the illusion that it was almost oozing down the wall, which intentionally plays with its materiality in an unconventional way. Because it’s a very simple sculpture, of just one material, craftsmanship was very important to me. I wanted the seams to be both seamless and intentional, so that the shape and grain of the wood could be clearly visible.
Process
Using the Jigsaw to cut out three “planks” for myself
LOTS of jigsawing later, I had three curves pieces (one of which I’d begun to sand in this picture)
Rough sanded them all on the belt sander!
Attachment…
(I counter sunk screws diagonally from the bottom of the seams and mixed some sawdust and wood glue to joint the pieces)
Connected! Notice the overhangs I then get rid of with belt + circular + hand sanding
SO MUCH sanding and some air compression later…
By now it feels like silk!
Sealing time. It was really important to me to bring out the deep natural walnut color and contrast in the wood
Then I shined and installed it!