Some of the logs for the Fairyland-themed Bluebell Wood at Sewerby Hall presented quite a challenge: unusual shapes are one thing, and sometimes suggest a design with their quirky lumps and bumps ~ but a good number of these had a small diameter and were very straight. I was pleased with the idea of the pixie climbing up the tree that I’d done on an earlier, similar log, and almost repeated the idea on this one, but I thought it showed a bit of a lack of imagination. After numerous sketches I was torn between a small gnome-like character with a very very tall hat, or a gnome sitting as though perched on top of the log; I plumped for the latter, mainly because the former would have to be close to ground height (to allow for his hat), whilst the other would have a nicer, lofty position, facing the entrance to Sewerby Hall grounds, welcoming visitors.
The uninspiring log
Contrary to popular belief, not a self-portrait
