Last year, we introduced you to Christopher David White—a sculptor who expertly tricks the eye with his surreal ceramic sculptures that look like decaying pieces of wood. Believing that “humanity is inextricably linked to the natural world,” White’s work features tree-like human body parts—such as hands, arms, faces, and torsos—that look like they could have been found in a mythical woodland. Surprisingly, each incredible sculpture is handmade with clay—a medium with an “innate ability to mimic a wide variety of materials,” explains White.
The textured sculptures, with wood grain as skin are further brought to life with acrylic paint in warm ombre hues. Some feature symbols of life in the form of blue and golden eggs, and delicate ceramic flowers, cradled in bark-covered hands. In one piece, a hand holds what looks like a melting planet earth, which could allude to our current global warming issues. White’s impressive works encourage the viewer to think about our human relationship with nature and the environment. White urges that it is “necessary to find a new balance that promotes a thoughtful and sustainable relationship with nature.”
Opening this week, White will showcase his latest work with a solo exhibition titled Against the Grain. The exhibit will open in Seattle at Abmeyer + Wood Fine Art gallery on December 7, 2017 and run through January 13, 2018.
In the meantime, you can find more of White’s work on his website and Instagram.
These surreal “wooden” figures by Christopher David White are actually meticulously handmade ceramic sculptures.
The impressive, illusionary works encourage viewers to think about our human relationship with nature and the environment.
Christopher David White: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Christopher David White.
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