What's on & in the workshop

I’m developing a new garden sculpture inspired by Garuda, the divine eagle figure of Hindu tradition, often depicted as part human and part eagle and known as the mount of Vishnu. For this commission, Garuda will take the form of a bald eagle, with raised wings creating a powerful silhouette above an existing willow trunk. clevelandart.org

The sketches explore how the sculpture will sit within the landscape, while the reference photograph suggests an alternative pose with the wings sweeping slightly forwards. I’m exploring a construction that brings the body and inner wings together, with separately joined outer wing sections and concealed steel reinforcement to support them against the wind.

The eagle will be carved separately and mounted using steel rods through the legs, with the fixing plate concealed beneath its feet. This means it can eventually be removed from the willow and placed on another trunk or a suitable plinth as the original tree deteriorates. Working this way also allows me to create a sculpture larger than the trunk itself and choose grain directions to suit each section.

Placement is central to my design process. I spend time sketching sculptures into their intended setting, considering the viewing angle, surrounding planting and skyline. Getting those relationships right gives the finished piece its presence—and helps it feel at home in the landscape.