Nigel Sardseon

Nigel Sardeson making a wood sculpture About Nigel Sardeson Wood Sculpture

I produce large woodcarvings of natural and abstract forms.

I carve in strong curves that flow with the grain of the wood and I look for shapes that we recognise and that create an impression. When carving figurative work I aim to be accurate enough to make the result believable but stop short of the detail that can render a carving lifeless. The patterns achieved by cutting across the grain of wood add complexity to the forms and are brought out through sanding and oiling the finished work.

I have been producing wood sculptures since 1995 when I was a forester, and have been carving professionally, part-time since 2004.

My work to date can be divided into two types: large sculptures or seats for public spaces or schools, and smaller (human-sized) sculptures for private sale.  Initially most of my smaller sculptures were of animals but since moving to Lincolnshire in 2000 most have been abstract or human forms.

Most of the sculptures or objects that I produce are original pieces developed from my, or clients’ ideas. I use locally sourced hardwoods such as oak, and elm chosen for their character and durability, or yew, not a hardwood but more durable and with more character than any native hardwood.

Alternatively I can use timber on site, including standing trees.  This is a great way of giving new life to dead trees. I carve using whatever tools are most effective, especially chainsaws, to allow me to realise the shape quickly, and making the work affordable.

FoxI exhibit through Lincolnshire Studios Open; Art on the Map (www.artonthemap.org.uk) and galleries and open gardens in the region such as Gallery 618 (www.gallerysixoneeight.co.uk) and Wild at Heart (www.wildatheart.com) and Hall Farm Nursery (www.hall-farm.co.uk).  

I am married to Tina a gardener and mother of our two children; Toby and Tilly; we have a whippet called Oscar.  We enjoy village life in Potterhanworth, Lincolnshire.  I also work as Trees and Woodlands Officer for Lincolnshire County Council.  When I get the chance I enjoy getting out experiencing the countryside through running, walking, canoeing or cycling.  I am a brown belt in zen judo.

In 2007-2008 I will be working on three large sculptures for the Tennyson Trail on the Sustrans cycle path between Lincoln and Boston, Lincolnshire.
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