Craft Awards

Dan Driscoll
JAMES H. MCPHERSON AWARD IN WOODWORKING

I believe that artists often get lost in their search for inspiration and subject matter. I have, in the past, become frustrated with my own search for the perfect subject. The problem, more often than not, was that the subject was so perfect; it was simply hidden in plain sight.
As a result of one of those agonizing searches I became acutely aware of the latent, sculptural qualities of seemingly simple and benign objects. I realized I had become oblivious to the beauty of simple form.

I think most of us have.
When isolated and carefully scrutinized, the folds of a simple piece of fabric become a magical, abstract image. The creases on a sheet of white paper suddenly become the framework for a minimalist sculpture. Now, saturate those images with light and shadow and suddenly you have a study in sublime form. The beauty of it all lies in its deceptive simplicity.

Lately, I have come to realize that I have not been trying to add to my carving repertoire, in fact quite the contrary; I am actually trying to reduce it by attempting to make a sculptural statement, with as few marks as possible.

The shapes and contours of my sculptures are defined by shadows.
Unfettered and pared down to eliminate everything, except the beauty of the simple line.

Simplicity. Minimalism. Pure form.

https://www.dandriscollwoodcarver.com/

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Shrouded Anxiety
Carved wood. Bleached and 24K gold leaf.
27" x 17" x 2"
2018

Shrouded Anxiety (detail)
Carved wood. Bleached and 24K gold leaf.
27" x 17" x 2"
2018

All My Eggs on One Pillow
Carved wood. Bleached.
12" x 12" x 5"
2018

His Shirt
Carved wood. Bleached.
37" x 11" x 5"
2018

Nest of Thoughts
Carved wood. Bleached. Charred. 24K gold leaf
7" x 5" x 5"
2019

Dali's Origami
Carved wood. Bleached. Natural wood.
18" x 8" x 7"
2019

White on White
Carved wood. Bleached.
12" x 14" x 3"
2020

Black on White No.2
Carved Wood. Bleached. Black acrylic paint.
13" x 12" x 2"
2021

Black on White No.3
Carved wood. Bleached. Black acrylic paint.
14" x 15" x 2"
2021

Black on White No.3 (detail)
Carved wood. Bleached. Black acrylic paint.
14" x 15" x 2"
2021

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Formerly the Ontario Crafts Council, Craft Ontario is a not-for-profit service organization that works to have craft recognized as a valuable part of life. We promote and celebrate professional craft through providing member opportunities, and advocate for craft practice by educating and empowering diverse audiences.