Robert Dewaele

For Dewaele, woodcarving is a labor of love and replenishment. He finds inspiration in modern organic abstract sculptures of Jean Arp and Brancusi. He studies their use of positive and negative while contemplating concepts such as simplicity of form, texture, and necessity of being successful when viewed from 360 degrees.

Concepts of spirituality and psychological tension inspire his work. His sculptural process includes mixing metal with wood in his art pieces is an exploration of the balance of man, nature and boundaries. His carved and molded constructions with their rich variety of textures allow him to express feelings and concepts he finds difficult to put into words.

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UnHelpful Crutches

48” #RD1001 $2700

Locust wood and bronze

shipping or delivery varies by recipient location

: UnHelpful Crutches
48” #RD1001 $2700

Tied in Knots

18” #RD1001 $1200

Walnut wood and bronze

shipping or delivery varies by recipient location

Slipping Through the Cracks

24" #RD1004 $1800

Oak wood and bronze

shipping or delivery varies by recipient location

Cocoon

30” #RD1003 $2400

Walnut wood and bronze<pshipping or delivery varies by recipient location

: Cocoon
30” #RD1003 $2400

Fortunately There Was a Net

60" #RD1005 $ 3000

Walnut wood and bronze

shipping or delivery varies by recipient location

Hiking through the area woodlands, Robert Dewaele hunts for raw materials. The shape of the raw wood determines the outcome determines the outcome of the sculpture. As he explains it, the material is first and I conform to it. “The end result is conceived when I start handling the pieces I find.”

Twisting, Turing, Examining front and back, Scrutinizing perspective and figure proportion, Dewaele describes his work as “subtractive process rather than additive.” He starts with an object, a mass, and takes away from it to achieve his vision.

Growing up in a rural area gave him opportunities to be outdoors as he worked the soybeans on his parents’ farm. He always enjoyed working with his hands and observing nature. Wood sculpting is a natural extension of his early interests and experiences.

Through his nonverbal form of communication through organic forms, fluid lines and highly polished surfaces, Dewaele strives to emphasize and augment the natural beauty of the materials that are used in his sculpture.

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