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Carving in wood is one of mankind’s oldest arts and is both an art and a craft. In its long history there have been those who have sought self-expression in carving wood and those content to exercise and perfect the skills of handling the carver’s tools in the pursuit of conventional or dictated ends. Both are legitimate aims in wood carving, of course, but to be an artist as a wood carver, it is essential to be artisan also.
Woodcarving is John Butler’s (b.1947) chosen medium and he is both artist and artisan in this medium. Though trained as an artist in art schools he is from a family of artisans (his father was a traditional craftsman wood carver) and this combination of personal aesthetics and inherited skill is shown most tellingly again and again in his works.
His choice of subjects shares with other English artists – for the comic, non-judgemental, attitude towards our fellow creatures has long been a fertile avenue of the British creative genius – a loving fascination with the philosophies and practicalities of everyday living. In this sense there is a ‘Worldliness’ about Butler’s work that is hidden behind the gentle humour and indeed what might be called ‘sweetness’ of its form and execution. He is a ‘people observer’, but of a particular kind. There is no cynicism behind his smile. His is not the hidden, intrusive, spiteful eye of the paparazzi; rather it is the eye of the eternal optimist amazed and delighted at what he sees. He laughs, sometimes with glee sometimes with embarrassment, with us and not at us. His is a gentle art dissimulating and beguiling, but not without telling insight and human gravitas.
Exhibition Specifications
A minimum of 16 three-dimensional sculptures (average size 40cm x 25cm x 30cm), 4 wall cases with artefacts and explanatory panels. Additional wall hanging objects - pictures, wall-mounted carvings.
A1 graphics panel
Professionally designed poster supplied in pdf format to be adapted for printing by venue.
Gallery Requirements
40 square meters of floor space, plus ( ) running meters of wall space.
Security
Exhibition requires patrolling during opening hours and a comprehensive alarm system & secure premises at night
Hiring Fee
£200/week for a minimum of four weeks.
Transport Costs
Venues to arrange forward transport or take advantage of an inclusive transport tariff whichever is preferred.
Dates
For more information please contact Graphicus Touring on 01295 256110