"The Red Dragon - (Y DdRAIG GOCH)"
Commissioned by an East Coast client, to celebrate his Welsh heritage. This proud symbol possesses a bold history of armed conflict in the Welsh struggle for independence. Although perhaps of Chinese origin, the Red Dragon was introduced to Britain by the Romans some 1800 years ago. Initially a military standard, in time, this mythical beast developed into the flag of a nation.
Based upon the one pound silver proof coin of Britain, I designed this sculpture by modifying the dragon’s scale and raising its body to a dramatic high relief for a more lifelike appearance.
(The Red Dragon that became Purple).
Most aged redwood burls appear uniform in a light brown exterior color. My original design concept called for the use of redwood burl in its deeply rich red color for the dragon. However, it was discovered, after power plaining the burls’ surface, in fact is actually purple. This rarest color of redwood burl, is caused by sustained fresh or salt water submersion, changing the molecular cells in the wood. This rare find was not abandoned but embraced by my client and self to be utilized as the new material of choice for this sculpture.
Purple - Redwood Burl / White Maple
(26" x 26 x 3.5")