Scorcher!

Matthew Kendall

Scorcher is the largest piece in British sculptor Matthew Kendall’s limited edition collection for Them Outdoors. The sphere evolved from the widest section of the main stem of the tree. After carving into an authentic sphere, small sections of the surface were removed to create an elliptical and more organic looking form.

Matthew’s five-piece collection is made from a  fallen oak tree, sourced from the South Downs National Park. Through his process, the artist develops a unique relationship with each of his works and uncovers characteristics that lead to it’s final finish; some grooved, some hollowed, some polished, some scorched, some oiled.

Scorcher has been heavily scorched and brushed, and sealed with natural oil to enhance the grain of the wood and ensure longevity. The scorching of wood is an ancient Japanese technique called ‘shou sugi ban’ or ‘yakisugi’ and will also prolong the life of the piece. As the scorched sections weather, raw wood will appear in the cracks and some scorched areas may lighten, creating a more natural appearance.

Oak is one of the hardiest woods and best for enduring varying seasons. These spheres are what the artist describes as ‘living sculptures’, designed to respond to the natural environment around them. They will adjust to the seasons, twisting and cracking as they dry out in warmer weather and gradually silvering over time. If desired, sculptures can be moved indoors during more extreme weather or kept indoors in order to retain their original condition.

Please enquire for bespoke options.