Nicholas Durnan

Statement

My work is inspired by the beauty of mathematics and geometry. Themes based on the golden section, the mobius strip, borromean rings, the torus and trefoil knot run through my work. These are forms which to me express the the tension of growth and life force through the movement of unfolding, intertwining and twisting. I work with alabaster which is soft, smooth and translucent and takes a fine polish. It is a tactile material which invites the viewer to touch and follow the forms. I collect the raw pieces from Somerset beaches where the weather and sea has already begun the process of shaping the stones. Influences Constantin Brancusi, Romanesque sculpture, Barbara Hepworth, mathematics, knots, platonic solids, crystals, Maori art and organic form.

Artworks

Borromean Rings sculpture carved from one piece of Somerset Alabaster (from SW England). Polished finish. The Borromean Rings consist of three circles which are linked in such a way that removing any ring results in two unlinked rings.

Interlocking Borromean Rings sculpture carved in Somerset Alabaster (from SW England). Polished finish. I was delighted to discover as the work neared completion that a triangle and hexagon were formed from the angles of the rings around the hollowed out centre. The Borromean Rings consist of three circles which are linked in such a way that removing any ring results in two unlinked rings.

Mobius band carved in Somerset Alabaster (from SW England) with a polished finish. Carved completely in the round and can be turned over to reveal similar forms. Very unusual colouring for alabaster which was only fully revealed after polishing.