Like all the sculptures in the “Branching” series, Branching XVI is a sculpture composed of a wooden branch inserted into a metal form. But here, the metal part (white bronze in the image, but you can choose to make it in other metals such as silver or even gold !) encases a single branch rather than several, as is often the case. The shape itself is composed of several parts inspired by organic elements such as bones and plants. The lower part resembles a bone, and it is unclear whether it has been carved into a crook shape to become a tool or whether it is in its natural state. The upper part evolves into a shape inspired by flowers, with petals and stamens that provide an opening to hold the wooden branch. The question of a form obtained by simple natural growth or as the result of work to create a tool adapted to the hand and to a specific use is accentuated by the presence of a second form placed on top of the first. It has multiple notches to form a sharp edge like a knife carved from flint in the Paleolithic era. Thus, the turmoil comes to the surface, and the question of the passage of time and what forces act on form during these periods, whether natural or deviated by humans, finds resolution in the balanced position of the sculpture once it collaborates with a frail wooden branch. This sculpture is signed and numbered. This sculpture is an original work produced in a limited edition of 8 pieces (What is an original work ?). It is shown here, as is often the case, in white bronze, but it can also be made in bronze, silver, resin, or even gold !
The branches vary from one copy to another, as with the other Branching in this section, since they are the result of gleaning during my walks in the forest.