Viaje / BidaiaEskultura.
Sculpture. Hazelnut sticks, screws and wing nuts, stick tips
227 x 214 x 147 cm
In his practice, he seeks to create a circular system through space, volume and matter, where the elements he collects along the way are integrated as a whole. Much of his work is developed using materials he collects in the streets or in nature, using surplus, defective or recovered materials he finds along the way in the places where he develops the project. It is essential that the elements he collects have a recognisable identity as part of the landscape.
‘Makila’ means walking stick in Basque. These hazelwood sticks are part of the community’s culture and have been considered travelling companions for the Basques for centuries. Historically, shepherds carried makilas while tending their livestock in the fields and mountains, using these walking sticks as a tool to help them on uneven terrain and to guide their livestock. Over time, the makila took on a ceremonial role and is now given as a symbol of respect and honour in Basque society.
For this sculpture, I have created a spiral shape that visually folds and unfolds, representing a cycle, a circular sequence in motion that symbolises a life journey. The artist uses the rods as raw material to pay homage to the natural environment of the place.