I am an artist specialised in woodcarving and gilding. My recent collection of work is inspired by my time in Rome as part of the Brinsley Ford Travel Prize.
Woodcarving is a sustainable skill and the materials I use are ethically sourced. I work with a variety of mediums refreshing traditional skills and motifs to create unique pieces for high-end interiors.
I am available to take on bespoke commissions for interiors, galleries and museums. I take pride in making work to an exceptional standard which is unique and Innovative.
I will be launching a series of craft workshops focused on well-being and team building, Winter 2019. To register your interest please contact me directly or through my website.
Work history
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WoodcarverZeinab Harding
London, United KingdomFreelance
My Work
My current collection of work was born out of my time in Rome Summer 2018. The idea that floral ornament was used during the reign of Augustus (Gaius Octavius)
as a visual language to the Roman people captured my imagination. During this nine-month project I investigated the meanings of Augustan floral ornament and interpreted this concept into a Lime wood Panel, accompanied by a lettering piece. My panel, The Voice of Nature reflects upon the themes in The Alter of Peace of reconciliation within a fractured society and the divine. It presents them in today’s society giving the floral ornament a new layer of meaning.
I have always enjoyed combining multiple mediums in my work. In my most recent work I have translated ornament that exists in stone into wood, and wood into glass. Subverting one medium and perpetuating another gives a uniqueness to my work and moves historical into the contemporary.
The Value of Craft and Sustainability
Why Woodcarving?
My work employs the traditional skill of wood carving. This is a niche skill which takes time to hone and develop. My work challenges todays consumerist society, where fashion collections change weekly and products are often poorly made to meet demand. Woodcarving is a slow process that can take weeks and sometimes months to make, every part of my carvings are highly considered. The materials I use are sustainably sourced. Although the skill of woodcarving is thousands of years old, it is a seemingly unheard of skill today.
Bespoke
I am available to take on bespoke commissions for high-end interiors, galleries and museums. I take pride in making work to an exceptional standard which is unique and
Innovative.
Workshops
Whilst living with villagers in Samoa and Indonesia I saw the importance of craft. Although I did not speak the same language I was able to communicate through the universal language of craft. Villagers communed with one another through craft activities whether that be weaving with palms or woodblock printing to create traditional dress. This idea was again consolidated when I facilitated art workshops in the Amazon. During this time, I saw how creativity can be used to unify communities and people, overcoming social boundaries.
Using our hands and being inspired to think creatively is just as important as it has always been for health, well-being and social communication. I hope that my work inspires people to see the potential of craft and its relevance today. I will be launching a series of high-end craft workshops focused on team-building and wellness, Winter 2019. To register your interest please contact me directly or through my website.
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Brand AmbassadorCarhartt Work
- London, United KingdomFreelance
Endorsed by Carhartt Workwear
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Skills
- Client Relations
- Sculpture Design
- 3D Artist
- Technical Drawing
- Visual Merchandising
- Visual Concepts
- Client Liaison
Education
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BACity and Guilds of London Art School
- London, United Kingdom
Historical Woodcarving and Gilding:
Wood carving
Water and oil gilding
External project gilding stone sculpture
Clay modelling relief and portraiture from life
Casting
Lettering
Technical Drawing
Awards
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De Laszlo Award for Outstanding WoodcarvingThe De Laszlo Foundation
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Brinsley Ford Rome Travel Prize for Figurative DrawingBrinsley Ford Foundation
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