Jay McDougall

My sculpture is free-hand carved. I strive to cut away all that is ephemeral to yield only that which is essential. I chose wood as my carving material for its eternal warmth and life. These qualities serve to enhance the fluidity of many of my pieces while reinforcing the primal essence of others. I select distinctive logs from hardwood trees that have already fallen or been marked for removal near my studio in rural Minnesota. All of my pieces are carved from a single block of material. This distinguishes my work from most other wood collectibles in that it involves no glue-ups or joinery. All of my work is carved and does not involve any lathe work, yet another feature that solidly positions my pieces in a very select group. I bring a contrasting element to my wall pieces via the steel backs on which they are mounted. My pieces have the affect of connecting with viewers at a visceral level; they touch something deep inside. These forms surpass transient trends and styles; they are timeless in their classic contemporary beauty and bring with them a calming presence that fits seamlessly into wide-ranging architectural styles.