Oculus, 2021

Quilted Bigleaf maple, Fungal pigment (Chlorociboria spp.)

Inspiration

Have you ever wished to capture the sea? To witness its undulating waves, forever in motion, yet be miles from shore?

Oculus most often refers to a round or eye-like opening or design in architecture. It might present as a circular window or aperture in a dome. For this piece, the oculus opens up to showcase the ocean, complete with quilted figure running like currents just beneath the clear sea.

This is the first in a series that will highlight the illusion of movement in certain figured pieces of wood. Each will bear some central portal, or oculus to draw the eye & provide an opening to access & appreciate the textured stories beneath the long-dried bark of these trees.

Spalting

Brushed on layer by layer, fungal pigment from Chlorociboria spp. slowly filled the basin of this square piece creating deeper blues and capturing the ripples of quilted figure spanning the breadth. Highly UV resistant, this unique coloration technique will persist for eons, much like the waves it so effortlessly depicts. Acting forever as a window to the untamable waters of the world.