AN ARTIST'S PROFILE:

KEITH HARRIS

"I started carving in '97 and I exclusively use pest timbers (Camphor laurel) and recycled timbers. I have completed 13 pieces. The beginning was the letterbox, then meditation or contemplation stools. I originally used an old National Geographic for my concepts. My personal interest is in prehistory and this led me to explored Mayan and Aztec art. The artworks that we see in prehistory amaze me for their complexity and size. How did people achieve carvings in stone that are up to 15 metres in height?

From exploring and experimenting with this region I was motivated by the statues of Easter Island. My carvings from this period reflect this cultural influence. Presently I am exploring the artwork of Egypt.

I live a straightforward life in the bush. It is through carving that I can reflect on humanities prehistory. I like to construct things. I believe in recycling, utilising what society considers 'waste' and to show it is of use. Through the use of 'waste' in the form of raw materials for my carving that I am able to tread a little more lightly on the earth.

Through the exploration of prehistory using carving I gain a degree of knowledge in the development of humanity. I am developing specific expertise that I feel is a gift I would like to share with others. I can only encourage others to explore their creative talents and I believe that this will develop their confidence."

-Gary