Artist Statement

Carving and modeling is my key to the secret world, my way through the rabbit (Adanko) hole, my creative looking glass.
Subtracting and additive sculpture started it. As a child the process of transforming wood or clay into sculpture has struck me as magical. And over the years that magical process has had its way with me leading me from hobby to art. Sculpting and painting fills me with a sense of accomplishment and integrity, and has proven a most amendable vehicle for translating my inner feelings to the outside world.

My carvings are based on what the wood or log suggest. I see the design imprisoned in the log. Though I work quite deliberately, consciously applying both traditional and conventional methods, my subconscious and instinct is the undisputed creator in me.

The concrete, subtractive and additive nature of sculpture frees my imagination and provides creative opportunities for happy accidents and grace to influence the finished product.

Most of my works developed out of initial sketches and went through the stages of painting and miniature clay works before ending up in wood or cement. My dream for the future is to replace all outdoor sculpture and fountains in various houses with unique custom made pieces at an affordable price, instead of the usual on the market cast works we see around.

Martin Mensah

Adanko Studio