Bio

Artist Statement

When I began my career as an artist, I diligently sought to refine the process of vessel carving. I relied heavily upon personally modified tools, advice of colleagues, and keen determination. The result was the pioneering of a unique process.


Using a chainsaw, I begin with a green chunk of wood and carve it into a flowing, organic form. The vessel is then refined by the arduous use of grinders to create a consistent wall thickness. It is sanded and completed with a hand rubbed finish.


My studies in natural and social sciences have modified my understanding of the importance of diversity, the grand scale of geological time as well as consistency, form, and patience.


The theme of my work revolves around life, the processes of nature, and the passage of time. In my work, I attempt to show the surviving spirit of one of Earth's greatest living organisms as well as the flow of life...a constant current of change. - Brad Sells

 

Recent Works

What the Experts are Saying...

It’s obviously three-dimensional work and I don’t view it as craft; I view it as fine art… I mean, as I said, he’s probably already elevated himself to be one of the top ten or fifteen artists working with wood I the world. And his forms and his concepts and the message that he is trying to communicate I think make his work quite unusual.

Bob Bohlen
Author: The Fine Art of Wood: The Bohlen Collection
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Bark Studios • Brad Sells • 4 N Ferguson Ave • Cookeville, TN 38501 • 931-372-8818