A solo exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch Theatre this May, called Through a Kaleidoscope sees Stackpole resident, Anthony Griffiths, showcasing his series of circular carvings in relief, in oak and their accompanying drawings. A teacher of woodcarving classes from his home in south Pembrokeshire, Anthony is looking forward to bringing his work from his ‘Carving Room’ to the eyes of the public.

Tutor Anthony Griffiths, who has been teaching wood carving for over 20 years in Somerset, but now lives in the area, has developed a new workshop and wants to continue teaching this traditional skill.

“These carvings are not about the resemblance to, or an imitation of, any specific thing. The carvings may be similar to many things, someone suggested that they have a resemblance with the knotted patterns of crocheted doilies or resemble biscuits. They also may be analogous with the interior forms of flowers and although these things are similar, none of this is intentional,” said Anthony.

The work has many visual influences from the heavily eroded sedimentary rocks at low tide on Broadhaven South to the rhythm of the carved mouldings in the Norman arches of St Davids Cathedral and the interlocking shapes found in the intricate tracery of cathedral rose windows. In the play of simple geometric patterns of the vaulted cathedral ceilings, in the tiny units that compose the beautiful and elaborate stucco domed ceilings of the Alhambra Palace and in the stunning geometric patterns decorating Islamic buildings. 

Anthony added: “The carvings are intended to resemble the experience stimulated by the above influences rather than a likeness to them. They refer to the dynamic energy and equilibrium; we experience from the above, viscerally as a play of energy as much through our bodies as through our eyes.”

So, what do the carvings portray?

“The individual forms are not meant to be interesting or beautiful, but they are meant to be doing something. The intention is to generate speed and motion by their differing alignments, it is not about where they are going, it is that they are going, that they are in constant flux. The pierced flaming star like details radiating from the centre of the main forms, are there to animate the composition with short bursts of energy, like increasing the tempo in a piece of music and are not meant to be lovely details,” explained Anthony.

“Unlike most relief carvings that bear a striking resemblance to their original drawings, this group of carvings do not look like the drawings they are based upon, although they are composed of the same elements which are directly transferred to the timber. What is represented in the drawings differs completely from what is presented in the carvings.”

In concluding, Anthony says that the final appearance of the carving cannot be predicted in the drawing and only comes out through the slow process of carving, creating different harmonies in the patterns of light, shadow and movement within the carving itself. 

Through a Kaleidoscope can seen at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre from Wednesday 6 May to Thursday 30 May. For further information on the exhibitor and his work, visit www.thecarvingroom.com / torchtheatre.co.uk / Box Office: 01646 695267.