Moldable Subtractions (2009-Present)

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As an avid kayaker I find it interesting that the basic design of the canoe and kayak to stay afloat and carry people has not changed over thousands of years. What has changed is the process by which these kayaks are crafted. This series of drawings and sculptures explore the relationship between new and old technology of the single-manned vessel and how craftsmanship maintains itself even when the base materials change.

Modern kayaks are constructed through intricate molds with injected plastic, fiberglass, and even carbon fiber. This is a stark contrast from the first canoes, which were carved directly from large trees. I wanted to create work that revealed this contrast. The work references the sleek design of the modern-day kayak and at the same time acknowledges and respects the history of the design. Each sculpture is carved out of a single log. The exposed carved sections of the wood represent the modern-day kayak, while the unfinished natural logs represent the history of the kayak. 

Evolution of design with the constant thread of craftsmanship maintains the growth of form.