Styles
TNcanyon.jpg Canyon Style
A canyon is defined by a fan shape with narrow tall wall. I started doing canyon pieces about ten years ago. The inspiration for the series came from traveling out west and seeing seeing the Grand Canyon. The growth rings of the walls of the pieces remind me of sedimentary rock layers.
 
Vessel Style
Many times taking the form of a vase but often also an orb.  These can be quite simple at first glance but at closer look reveal subtle and intimate folds and curves within.
TNvessel.jpg
TNtunnel.jpg Tunnel Style
Tunnel vessels are defined by a double sided form in which I carve from one side and then the other leaving a solid piece in between. Inspired by yen and yang concept the pieces are about duality and balance .
Orbitals
Orbitals appear often in much of my work and give great motion each time.  In the largest sense it represents orbiting celestial bodies that spin around the critical mass of life centers.  It also represents the smallest form of life and the electrons that make up the atom. 
 
TNorbital.jpg
TNredivory.jpg

Red Ivory - African Tree Safari 

African Red (or "pink") Ivory is the royal wood of the Zulu tribe in africa and is considered so sacred that only a memeber of the royal family were permitted to harvest it. To break this law was punishable by death.  Fortunately, I had the tribe's blessing. 

     
 

Recent Works

What the Experts are Saying...

I think that the beauty of (Sells’) work is not definable. I couldn’t give a set of characteristics. I think it hit our customers in the gut… Right away they looked and said, “Wow look at that!” and started buying it.

Al Oliver
Merchandise Manager, Nieman Marcus Home Stores
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Bark Studios • Brad Sells • 4 N Ferguson Ave • Cookeville, TN 38501 • 931-372-8818