Art and English Visit Local Artist

Mr. Richardson gave them a talk on how to identify different species of locally grown trees, reviewing the strengths and weakness of each, and detailing why specific wood is earmarked for certain artworks.  Mr. Richardson then sliced off pieces of each variety for visual, olfactory and hands-on examination by all. This experience closely resembled the popular new sensation of "Forest Bathing", where one travels into the woods and interacts with nature in a way which is regenerative to body, mind and spirit via the senses.  He then, showcased a large commissioned work, that is in progress, for the James Madison University Campus. It uses flying buttresses to support two 2,000 lbs. vertical structures with mortise and tenon locking joints. These uprights will support a characteristic lintel, connecting the two, carved in detail invoking intertwined vines and natural forest growth, albeit much larger in scale.

 

Glenn then surprised the group when he chose Cadet Wood as his subject to make a "live" portrait carving. He completed this in less than 16 minutes, out of an 18" x 24" x 2" plank of pinewood. The finished carving was then treated with a hot and noisy propane torch blast to heat up the surface, take off the burrs, and create a fiery red-hot glowing surface that faded into a blackened charcoal like finish. A wire brush then finalized the portrait by eliminating loose burnt bits while giving it a polished, even appearance. 

 

Finally, the Cadets were able to wander through the Art Studio area to observe completed works from over the last several years, including: large (full tree trunk) painted chairs, large and small heads, "Bird Brains" with prominent spinal skeletal features, a retired Mickey Mouse, colorful fishes, wall hangings, yard sculptures and more...

 

Mr. Richardson is an artist living and working in Shenandoah County, VA. He mostly carves native wood with chainsaws. He regards this practice as a populist art form, not quite folk art but more the sculptural equivalent of garage rock. His work reflects an outsider perspective. This is termed redneck tech for blue state sensibilities.

 

In 2016, his work was in two group shows, a solo show, 8 festivals including Burning Man, held each year in Black Rock City, NV. That same year he pioneered "live" portrait carving with a chainsaw.

 

Some of his prodigious completed sculptures are on permanent exhibit in The Washington Youth Garden at the National Arboretum, Washington, DC; the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg, VA; and The Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, VA.