My friend Ramesh sent this message and image via WhatsApp which is worth sharing with my readers.
The tallest tree in Wales had been damaged by a storm and was supposed to be cut down, but a better solution was found. Natural Resource Wales, which was in charge of the site, ordered artist O ‘ Rourke to cut down the tree. He came up with the concept of carving what the tree stump and trunk into a giant hand – to symbolise the tree’s last attempt to reach the sky.
Once completed, the sculpture was coated with tung oil, a natural vegetable oil safe for the closeness of the riverways.
It’s called THE GIANT HAND OF VYRNWY.
Height: 15.25 met
Sculptor Simon O’ Rourke.
wow. so beautiful and yet slightly disturbing at the same time.
I agree Tammy.
A wonderful sculpture. Very ingenious. There are some great tree-stump sculptures on the Stormont Estate – mostly of animals in children’s stories.
I shall explore those soon.
What a beautiful and artistic way to deal with a trunk. We were not so imaginative with a birch tree in our backyard. Just left it a little tall, placed a bird feeder atop it, and enjoy the color and the birds.
This has actually inspired me to experiment with a tree trunk across the road from us and I have started to look for a carver.
I love this, but saddened too. I get quite emotional around trees.
XO
WWW
So do I but, at least something useful and beautiful came out of the tragedy!