Headley tree sculptor Roger Day

As England’s most wooded county, there can be few places better for tree sculptor Roger Day. For the last 20 years, the Headley-based artist has been devoted to highlighting the natural beauty of wood by creating new forms from the trunks of dead or fallen trees. For him, they embody nature’s essential force and his affinity with wood is immediately obvious in his striking works.

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine November 2014

***

“To me, the nature of carving wood is a journey through spirit and time,” says Roger. “While working, I intimately explore each piece; I feel its story and, through that energy, together we arrive at a new form.”

The joy of Roger’s work is that it’s not only beautiful but often practical too - his tactile Ripple Bench by the pond in Woodhatch was commissioned by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. Once a watering pond for livestock, it is now an area of rich and diverse habitat for wildlife. It is also a passing place en route to local shops and Roger hopes the bench will be used as a halfway resting point and a place for reflection.

In addition, Roger has also created wonderfully tactile sculptures in areas of new housing. At Boxgrove Gardens, Guildford, three large oak sculptures, collectively called Connected Living, highlight the public right of way to Merrow Downs. Each has an opening that people can look through, leading them to the next sculpture and the countryside beyond.

“In this county of such magnificent trees, I strive to emulate the abundant beauty of nature’s gift within the wood itself,” says Roger. “It is my purpose and privilege to immortalise the wonderful trees of Surrey that we all love so much.”

 

• For more information on the work of Roger Day, visit his website at rogerday.eu