DAPHNE
2025 | Steel | 260x150x170 cm
BUFFALO CREEK ART CENTER RESIDENCY
This metal sculpture depicts a stylized tree whose branches subtly form the outline of a human face, integrating natural and human elements into a single composition. The piece evokes the myth of Daphne and Apollo from Greek mythology, in which Daphne transforms into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit. Here, the merging of the face and branches may suggest that moment of transformation where identity and nature become indistinguishable. The work reflects on themes of metamorphosis, the boundary between humanity and the natural world, and the enduring presence of myth within contemporary artistic expression.
CREATION PROCESS
Created at the Buffalo Creek Art Center residency, I had one month to complete this sculpture.
I spent a long time designing digitally and building scale models beforehand.
To utilize the short amount of time I had to fabricate this piece, I opted for a laser-cut Jig that would be a 3D stencil for the shape of the sculpture.
Using an Iron worker (50 ton press) I bent pipes from the 3" trunk to the smallest 6mm branches. Going back and forth between the press and the jig to conform to the shape of the face. Extra attention was given to the overall "flow" of the sculpture, as if it were blowing in the wind and the details of the main human features, making it resemble a human face. It was painted flat black to make it stand out as a silhouette.
