I was contacted some time ago by the head gardener, Sam, who asked if I’d be able to
do anything with an old horse-chestnut that was being docked; it had some diseased
areas, but it was thought that to take such a large tree away from the garden completely
would leave too large a gap ~ better to make a feature from the remaining stump and give
the horse-chestnut a new life.
One of Sam’s photo’s, showing the tree and the York castle walls directly behind it.
I popped down and took some snaps and discussed ideas.
With the sweep of the roots it seemed to suggest some robes or a flowing dress, and from that the ideas developed into a very historical and literary theme : a scene from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, with Titania reaching up to Bottom (whom she now loves, despite his head being transformed to that of an ass). There was a nice space on the back which looked perfect for Puck, peering out at the wall and the many passing tourists.
I went back again to get some more snaps once the tree-surgeon had done his bit.
I was a bit concerned that some of these areas covered by growths, or burrs might cause me to adapt or change the design. I thought I’d save any decisions until I’d stripped the bark and saw exactly what was underneath.
Taking off the bark was quite a heavy job, and quite awkward as the ground was so uneven.
One of the large burrs in the centre took some wearing down, but the remaining lump was perfectly positioned for a shoulder.
I’m not happy with the head of the ass, I’ll sort that out tomorrow; I messed about with it for a while but settled for just getting the position of it in.
I had hoped to get the bark off and the drawing done today, but I managed to get a good amount carved too.
There are definitely worse places to work!
