2022, Salvaged Yew Tree. Created by carving the inside with fire and then re-forming. Reclaimed pine base.
This piece was created from a trunk of a previous fallen yew tree that tumbled under its own weight. As an evergreen tree, the yew is symbolic of everlasting life and rebirth; it was held sacred by Druids in pre-Christian times. Yew came to symbolise death and resurrection for the ancient Celts which continued into the Christian era. I carved the piece using fire on the inside until I had the right balance of strength but also fragility. The marks on the outside show the history and beauty of the tree as well as showing the vessel and home it was for life.
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.
Vessel 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.
