Wood, fire and ancient folklore.

Continuing the story about the authors of "Alternative Dolls", I want to dwell in more detail on the work of the British master - Tach Pollard.

Aria

Aria

The artist creates surreal heroes, stylized creatures - "Spirits of Nature", as the author himself calls them.

Alban

Alban

Once you see Pollard's work, it is no longer possible to forget them. Peering into the faces, figures of the characters, you are amazed at the outlandish imagery. But, at the same time, the characters respond in their souls, stir up imagination, catch ...

Tash says:

“I live in the UK. In my childhood, when my family moved to live closer to the forest, I became interested in collecting tree roots. Oak, especially attracted me. Their bizarre shape excited my imagination. Before school started, I woke up early, took a small cart, folded up my finds and took them home. "

Ceres

Ceres

“I see the supposed shape of the root when I pull it out of the ground” ...

“As soon as I had free time, I cleaned my treasures of moss and bark. In those days, my father had a small shop. Sometimes I was allowed to sell these roots at a stall on the street.

Much later, decades later, in the backyard of my home, I stumbled upon a mountain of discarded childhood roots. I wanted to cut something out of them.

The first hero seemed to me so perfect that I immersed myself in this process. "

Mellisha

"Carving is a way to celebrate the tree, especially the energy of the roots that have kept it on the ground for many years."

“I continue to collect roots from the surrounding forests. I love the feeling when you find a new snag or piece of wood and, anticipating the magic, you begin to see the shape hidden inside.

Over the past few years, I have started carving characters from hawthorn wood. I got the opportunity to use many more details and decorative elements. "

Palladium

Palladium

Hawthorn is a mystical tree, sung in the folklore of many countries. Let us recall at least the story of how the magician from ancient English legends, Merlin (literally synonymous with the word "magic"), was forever imprisoned in the roots of this plant.

“I am honored to work with this material.”

“I like its florid shapes, the whiteness of the wood. When it dries, it splits and cracks, bends and moves, creating bizarre shapes. "

"Most of my work is inspired by the natural material itself, its structure."

Kuutar

Kuutar

“The hawthorn is very dense and gnarled. This allows me to carve images born of myth and legend. The land on which these trees have been growing for millennia is full of Scandinavian and Icelandic sagas. "

The artist has learned to define the shape of wood. For greater expressiveness of the image, burns, tones, treats with oil.

Tash muses:

“The British Isles are full of ancient traditions of dragons, mermaids, witches and giants. My characters live in a parallel world. But in the twilight between fog and sky, you can sometimes see them. "

The last of the MerFox is a hero of myths, capable of transforming from one form to another, for traveling through ghostly worlds.

Murfox

The author's characters tune the soul to a contemplative, pensive mood.

The proportions of the characters are amazing. Thin, long lines create the impression of being incorporeal, incorporeal.

Pollard's works are a vivid example of the author's rethinking of the surrounding world and the masterful embodiment of artistic images.

Esir

The author's presentation of the heroes deserves special attention. Photos are Tasha's special universe.

Fionn is a cunning spirit who uses second sight to see in ghostly worlds.

Today, Pollard's work can be seen in many places around the world; Pashley Manor and Gardens, Sculpture Park, Brighton Gallery, Heart Gallery - Hook, Coco de Mer - London, Millennium Seed Bank - Wakehurst Place, Wildlife Forest, Gallery Lucinda Brown ”and many other exhibition centers.

On the Internet, it is almost impossible to find a photo of the author himself. He leads a closed life and anxiously protects his fairy-tale world.

Photos are taken from open sources on the Internet.

With love and respect, Tatiana Kalinina

Instagram @tatakalinyshka