Living Willow Sculpture, a photo from Lancashire, England

Photographer's Note

This photo of a living willow sculpture was taken at Wycoller near Colne.

In addition to the actual sculpture I sought to also capture it's shadow - as I liked the shape.

Please see my recent posts on this area for further information.

Willow has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes from Iron Age man weaving hurdles to the middle ages when willow bark was chewed for pain relief.

Since medieval times, the sculpture properties of willow has been recognized. John Evelyn stated of willow in 1664, “If we had them in greater abundance, we should haply grant the artifices who could employ them and the dexterity to vernish so neatly”.

Today willow is recognized as an ideal medium for sculpture, being both flexible and vigorous.
Willow will root from stems as tall as five metres.

dabri, robiuk, Galmeida has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dabri (1692) 2005-04-14 16:35

Hi Stephen,
this is a very interesting image, well seen and well caught.

I'm quite surprised to see that I'm the first to add a note.
Sometimes I think that too many people are quite superficial.
Otherwise I see mediocre images with a bunch of points...

Davide

robiuk (10805) 2005-04-14 17:26

Wow,
This is really something, this is!
First of all, the exposure vs. aperture resulted in fantastic lighting. Secondly, you made a good job of hiding the stone cottage as otherwise it would be distractive.
Great catch!
Robi
PS. Can you do something weather-wise, so we in East Yorkshire get some of that sun as well?!

Galmeida (12559) 2005-04-16 5:27

Simple and beutiful this living willow sculpture that you captured very well. Excelent colors, contrast and sharpness. Also excelent notes and composition. A different approach!
Congratulations.
Fernando

BenKovski (1075) 2007-05-20 15:08

Hi Stephen
Well done, good job! It really looks the horseman is racing with its shadow. Colours, sharpness and framing - just great!
Cheers!
Ben