Sylvie came to meet me at the studio, eager to start a new chapter in her artistic practice. After several years of painting with a local association led by Bruno Logan, a master of trompe-l’œil, she wanted to explore woodcarving this time. Moving from 2D to 3D is often an ambitious challenge, but she rose to it with remarkable determination during a five-day workshop in April, which was extended into May for the finishing touches.
Her bust, L’Indienne, was carved from a cypress log that had sat outside for four years, waiting to find its purpose. Most of the work was done by hand, using gouges and rifloirs. Only the roughing-out (chainsaw and grinder) and a few finishing steps—notably the hair using an Arbortech mini-disk and the facial details with an electric file—involved power tools.
The result speaks for itself: an expressive Native American figure, powerful yet delicate, brought to life with sensitivity by Sylvie’s hands. A true rebirth for this piece of cypress that has become a sculpture.
Below is a visual overview of the various stages of creation. The sketch superimposed on the work-in-progress allowed her to advance each day with precision toward this accomplished piece.
Long live L’Indienne, and congratulations to Sylvie on this highly promising first sculpture.
