Al Schofield -
Sculpture

Hand carving oak through flows of consciousness

When we create with passion, a magic happens.

I started to hand-carve sculptures purely by chance. A few years ago, while in Normandy, I saw a pile of ancient roof timbers of a demolished barn, and became entranced. In those age-old lengths of oak I identified abstract shapes and figures. I took a metre length and, with gouge and mallet began to carve, consequently, I was hooked. I found sculpting wood to be instinctive, organic and enlightening. And a peculiar feeling that I’d been sculpting all my life passed through me.

“Sculptures that speak to you. . . Each piece of wood hides a soul that Alan reveals.”

– Benoît Négrier, L’éveil Normand (published 7 March 2014)

It’s not uncommon for a sculpture to take in excess of fifty hours to complete. A process which involves shaping with gouges, finer detailing of curves with files, sanding with different grade papers (usually 80 to 800 grade), applying oil, and steadily rubbing with a soft cloth between coats, until the surface of the oak becomes satin-smooth, super-tactile and waiting to be caressed.

As a consequence of leaving England over 16 years ago I find myself living in rural La Charente, France. On my eventful journey here I met my Buddha on the road so, I killed him – figuratively speaking. I don’t regret having done this, because that act set me free. I now have a very different take on life, but that’s another story. . .

Due to the Buddha incident, I now have a passion for creating hand-carved sculptures out of oak. After cutting the block, my technique involves the exclusive use of hand tools. As I sculpt a close connection with the oak develops naturally in a flow of consciousness. I begin with no plan, nor the vaguest idea of the outcome. By sensing the energy in each sculpture, feeling the way by following the grain, unperceived forms evolve. This process of creating oak sculptures gives me a much clearer understanding of myself and my environment.

Artist Statement

I sensed a transformation of my destiny in the moment I stumbled upon an old timber of French oak. Picking up a mallet and chisel I began to shape a decaying soupçon of ancient, rural France into an artwork which will, no doubt, endure the progression of Time better than I.

I’m not inclined to call these creative works my own. They develop through a process – the physical and the spiritual collaborating in a flow of consciousness.

Having little time for the indoctrinations of others, my lifes’ path deliberately avoids mentors, gurus and heros. Instead, I prefer to allow nature to direct the action as much as possible.

In our world there are illusions to unmask, dimensions to be explored, and questions requiring answers from within. Are the sculptures brought into existence through me a reflection (or invocation) of the more profound feelings I experience?

Al Schofield

EXHIBITIONS

2021
David Rougeau et Al Schofield
Les Amis du Four Pontet et de la culture
Magné, Niort, Deux Sèvres

2020
L’association Animation et culture en Pays charlois
Charroux, Vienne

2019
Pleuvill’Art
Pleuville, Charente

2018
Pleuvill’Art
Pleuville, Charente

Publicity

2021
La Nouvelle République – Le Four Pontet, Magné

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2020
La Nouvelle République – Charroux

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2014
L’éviel Normande

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Contact

Al Schofield - Sculpture

Hand carving oak through flows of consciousness

When we create with passion, a magic happens.

“Sculptures that speak to you. . . Each piece of wood hides a soul that Alan reveals.”

– Benoît Négrier, L’éveil Normand (published 7 March 2014)

Artist Statement

Al Schofield -
Sculpture