“Enjoy what you love, because life is so much bigger than us.”
So says Dan Rawlings. A self taught artist who works with recycled tools and materials, cutting and carving them a new life.
Intricate, inventive and stunningly beautiful! I felt like a child at Christmas tearing the packaging off his creations when then arrived at Found. Such was my excitement to see his hand cut rusty saws, which he creates in rural Gloucestershire.
Using a variety of tools including a hand held plasma torch, files, grinders, scalpels, welders, etching chemicals and paints he tries to create images that remind people of the moments when everything seems possible and free; times when climbing a tree, or sitting admiring the way its branches twist and curl means nothing, but means everything.
Dan enjoys using sentimental objects such as old tools and farm equipment. For him they bring to mind a time when things were simpler, not easier, but the concerns of everyday people were fundamental and shared. These objects of great craftsmanship and beauty also carry a poignant message.
They convey his belief and concern about climate change - that rather than acting, we seem to be looking the other way. By using cast away items of once great value to conjure memories or depict nature’s beauty, he aims to convince people that what we should value is the existing, not to wish it away with dreams of material possessions.
And so I stood in admiration these wonderful tree studies. Fascinating and magical, Dan Rawlings is a truly talented sculptor.
Saws and hand carved wood block prints in the gallery now. If you’d like any more details please email Amy on amy@thefoundgallery.co.uk
