Crossing Borders Studio Tour 2011 Artist Tim Byrns

Tim Byrns

I am a sculptor working with large pieces of figured hardwoods. The tree species I sculpt are native to the Great Lakes region, and the themes of my work are at least partly influenced by the area’s impressive lakeshores and inland landscapes. For me, wandering along the coast is like paging through the blueprints of future projects. The scenery here is uplifting, and I draw inspiration from the many forms that are shaped by the ebb and flow of the waves and the forces of the wind. Everything found on the shoreline is worn smooth, and my impressions of these weathered objects translate directly into my work.

I approach each piece with the intention of placing the inherent beauty of the material into the context of a carefully constructed, and thematic form. In addition to being influenced by the natural world, my sculptures identify with the interrelations between people and our environment. The final outcome is expected to embody the material, while communicating an accompanying idea or message. Ultimately, I attempt to preserve the spirit of the wood, while conveying a renewed sense of movement and life in the finished sculpture.

Every finished sculpture leads to a new understanding of my process and my material. Lately, I have found myself sculpting burl wood exclusively. The opportunities for carving this material seem boundless. The concentric lines and intricate grain patterns in the burl offer the perfect medium for me to represent my forms.

Tim Byrns

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