Uncertain Origin - Wood Carvings by Sophie Walker Status message

About

Ancient objects whose precise functions have been lost in time inspire me. This influences the design of my pieces as I try to instil them with the same enigmatic qualities found in my source material. 

I am fascinated with different cultures and their exoticism is expressed in my work through curious forms and implied function; something familiar and yet unfathomable all at the same time. These influences combine to create work with a vague sense of unreality that still retain a comforting familiarity, which provoke an urge to curl up inside one and take shelter form the world.

I have always been fascinated by texture and hollow, or open-able objects. I have discovered that I make hollow spaces because I want somewhere to retreat to when I’m stressed or worried; my own little universe that I have control over and that isn’t intimidating. On some level I am making these pieces so that I could, metaphorically, crawl into them and hide until I feel safe again.

I read a lot so that I feel calmer, so it is understandable that I find visual features associated with books comforting. Books are also the reason behind my interest in tactility and texture; you hold a book as you read it – interacting with it physically as well as intellectually. Books have also influenced my choice to work in wood; I find the weighty, dependability of books echoed in the solidity and durability of wood.

I believe that people share curiosities and desire sheltering environments in the same way that I do. I believe that these are innately human urges, and that their commonalities have the ability to draw people together.