David Nash - Wood, Metal, Pigment

David Nash has developed his sculpted work consistently over the last five decades, placing trees at the centre of his exploration. His intimate knowledge of their characteristics, both in life and in the process of change that continues after their being cut down, has informed his artistic development. Nash carefully chooses the way he treats the wood, allowing its natural qualities to inform the final shape of the work. Meanwhile, the effect of charring some of his wooden sculptures varies according to species: 'charred beech, charred oak and charred tulip are not the same black; charred mahogany adds an evident colour to black', says David Nash.