Oliver Spendley - Os Cionn

There is a poetic, brooding majesty to Oliver’s latest works. Extending his exploration of combining stone and wood elements in suspension, we are proud to present Os Cionn.  The name of the work comes from Scots Gaelic and translates to mean above, overhead or beyond. The tension between natural materials and human markings, levity and gravity, vertical and horizontal, results in works of enigmatic power and compelling beauty.
 
In Oliver’s words: “The stone monolith is central to each piece, resting stable and upright. They are reminiscent of the stoic quality of mountains, especially in Sutherland where they rise out of the earth, dramatically.”

“The rough and unrefined stone sits in contrast to the well-worked timber bases. I took extra care in the finer details of each base. Working by hand with chisel and mallet, each facet alternates smooth then gouged. The texture is a familiar one in our surrounding natural environment: from the rippling waters of burns to the striated sandy shores at low tide. They feel of hand and nature simultaneously.”
“The smooth spherical wooden elements sit like a layer of cloud beneath the peak of a mountain. The summit of each rock appears to pierce the wood, leaving a halo form in its wake. From base to stone then sphere the connection is rigid; natural elements held in place entirely by natural forces.”
 
Os Cionn  No. 1
Scottish Lewisian Gneiss, quartz stone.
London Plane circular disk.
Scottish Elm base featuring gouged surface and white poplar butterfly joints.
 
Height. 106cm
Width. 52cm by 52cm 
Weight. 60kg
 
Os Cionn  No. 2
Scottish Lewisian Gneiss, quartz stone. 
London Plane oval disk. 
Scottish Olive Ash base featuring gouged surface and reticulated brass butterfly joints. 
 
Height 100cm 
Width 50cm by 37cm 
Weight. 44kg