These Keith Jennings sculptures are literally tree-bound. The artist-sculptor takes timber as his preferred medium, depicting faces and emotions within the cuts of wood.
Jennings began his project in 1982 with his Tree Spirits debut. He initially took to his backyard to carve out his desired shapes. He was later called upon to erect a series of the pieces at Georgia's St. Simons Island, adding character and depth to the region.
To produce his installations, Jennings takes two to four days. While each post reveals manifestly different images, some featuring sleeping eyes and others downturned gazes, he draws inspiration from the trees only, "I don’t have that much to do with it. The wood speaks to you, ya know?"
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Nature-inspired Sculptures
- Creating sculptures that depict faces and emotions within the cuts of wood, presenting an opportunity for artists to explore the natural aesthetic of materials.
- Sustainable Art
- Using timber as a medium for sculptures, encouraging artists to consider environmentally friendly materials and techniques for their artistic creations.
- Site-specific Installations
- Erecting sculptures in specific locations, such as St. Simons Island, to add character and depth to the surroundings, opening up opportunities for artists to collaborate with communities and transform public spaces.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Art and Sculpture
- The art industry can explore new possibilities of creating sculptures with wood as a medium, incorporating the natural beauty of trees into their artwork.
- Environmental and Forestry
- The forestry industry can leverage timber as a sustainable resource for art and craftsmanship, promoting responsible tree management practices.
- Tourism and Cultural Development
- Communities and tourism organizations can partner with artists to create site-specific installations that enhance the cultural appeal and aesthetic of their destinations.
