2023, approx 80cm x 23cm, wind fallen cherry, burnt and finished in cold pressed linseed oil.
This piece is hoping to convey new strength and standing strong and bold despite the piece it was made from coming down as a result of Storm Arwen. There is increasing evidence that things are changing. Heatwaves, storms and flooding, wildfires and even extremely cold snaps are happening unexpectedly in the UK and globally.
Artist's Statement
I work with reclaimed and storm fallen timber using an ancient Japanese technique called ‘Yakisugi’. This method preserves the wood – Yaki means to heat with fire, and sugi is cypress. By slightly charring the surface of the wood without combusting the whole piece, the wood becomes waterproof through the carbonisation and is thus more durable. It also protects against insects, as well as making the wood fire retardant. All my work aims to be as sustainable as possible and I will only use natural materials.
Bold by Glen Farrelly
Glen Farrelly trained at the renowned Camberwell College of Arts in London, studying for a fine arts degree in ceramics. Glen then went on to teach Art at one of the top independent schools in London where he was Head of Art. After 20 years of teaching Glen moved to California, where he was exposed to devastating wildfires that almost destroyed his home. Later, when the fires had been declared safe, he returned to his home and walked the fire ravaged sites collecting remnants of scorched and discarded wood, changing artistic direction and materials Glen began carving and sculpting. His work has been displayed in exhibitions throughout California and the UK.
Now living in North Wales, Glen Farrelly continues to work with reclaimed, abandoned and discarded materials uncovering their beauty, showing their story, and reassembling to find their future worth.
