Scale plays an important factor in Walter Bailey’s new work; towering ‘The Sheltering Stack’ reaches over 5m high up into the sky, matched only in stature by the mature trees and gunnera manicata growing along side.
Central to the collection is the title piece, ‘The Sheltering Earth’. Created from over 100 individually carved elements, Walter Bailey meticulously arranged the squares to form a dome that entices the viewer to crawl inside. Gazing upwards, viewers experience framed glimpses of the world above – treetops, clouds and soaring birds are visible from inside the safety of the shelter. “The Sheltering Earth explores the fragility of shelter; recognising that the living earth and our humanity is our only true shelter,” comments Walter Bailey. He continues: “The earth is currently – and for some time to come – the only shelter for humanity and for the countless billions of species supported by her. Exile and displacement of populations has been with us from the beginning. As the effects of climate change are increasingly felt, populations will need to move on an ever greater scale; political borders and ideologies will not protect us. Our only protection will be a recognition of our common humanity and a willingness to take care of each other. Currently it is very hard to envisage this.”
Working predominantly in oak and English redwood, Walter Bailey carves intricate patterns using hand tools, chainsaws and fire. A lover of nature, Bailey usually works where he can enjoy an abundance of nature around him. Much of his work is largely, or entirely, comprised of lattice patterns which suggest the interaction between nature and human beings. “For me these patterns became a way to map my place in the world,” comments Walter Bailey. “The more I learned of the cosmos, the macro and the micro, the more I understood that I was observing a vast intelligence.”
His work is often finished by scorching the surface of his work with fire; the resulting blackness giving his work a patina of age that ties in with the spiritual expression that is central to his work. The scorching also acts as a natural preserve for the wood – similar to the techniques used in ancient temples.
“The focus of my work is humanity’s relationship with nature, celebrating our links with the dynamic cycle of the seasons and exploring thresholds on the life journey,” concludes Bailey.
Heralded as the first of its kind in the UK, The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden has been exhibiting sculpture in a truly unique and magical environment for over 30 years. Broad-leaved plants and mature trees support, frame and enhance a changing collection of contemporary sculpture in the stunning garden that Owner/Creator Hannah Peschar and her husband, award-winning Landscape Designer, Anthony Paul created over 30 years ago.
The Sculpture Garden now hosts around 200 pieces by over 50 artists from Britain and the rest of Europe every summer season. From traditional carved stone and wood, cast and welded metals, to more contemporary materials such as glass and fired clay, every material that can be found shown outside is exhibited in a huge variety of styles and themes.