Leave it to the Beaver

I made a few of these sculptures in 2020 after stumbling through a forest ravished by beavers and taking an interest in the patterns left behind by their teeth. They’re a nice reminder of the monumental efforts these animals undertake, and the natural processes that have become peripheral to the gaze of us city-slickers (boo!). To honour these efforts I sought to create monuments to the beavers’ work by moulding and casting them in plaster (no doubt resolving their previously crushing need for recognition in the process). Rather ironically, the sum of my own efforts resulted in sculptures that would blend beautifully into the decor of a Scandi-chique living room full of subtle neutrals and dreamy pastels. Quite far removed then from the dirt, grit and honesty of the natural scene I had intended to capture. Untitled, plaster cast in silicone mould, 2020