Deirdre Wilson, The Silent Resolve (ART & OBJECTS 2025)

Photos:

Deirdre Wilson

Country

Australia

I saw this pattern designed by ChipilWood and felt that the piece is a tribute to the quiet power and resilience of the feminine spirit. I have crafted her entirely from natural wood, each element of the figure — from the delicately inlaid floral hairpieces to the curved edge of the katana — is carved and shaped to reflect a balance of strength and grace. The woman depicted, turned in a moment of reflection, is not just a warrior but a symbol of internal fortitude. Her bare back speaks to vulnerability, yet the firm grip on her blade reminds us of her unwavering will. The blossoms in her hair contrast with the steel she carries — a metaphor for the duality within us all: beauty and power, softness and resolve. Every piece was hand-shaped and placed without the use of paint or dye, allowing the natural character of the wood to speak for itself. Timbers that were used in this piece were local red cedar, camphor laurel and jacaranda finished using Whittle Waxes.

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