37 (ii): Nautilus
For sculpture I find sea shell forms lend themselves to natural stone, in particular Portland stone which is 160 million years old, formed in a marine environment and made up from sediments of organic detritus, shell fragments and layers of calcite. The smooth simple forms show off the natural beauty of the material.
Nautiluses are a living link to the ancient past. They’ve been around for over 480 million years, cruising deep ocean reefs even before the dinosaurs. Although nautiluses have survived five major mass extinctions, today they are threatened with extinction due to man’s excessive overfishing and trade.
h:30 w:32 d:10cm
Oak plinth and granite top- Approx- 90cm height. Overall height of sculpture on plinth- 125cm
Price £900
Nicola Axe
I have carved stone for the last 15 years and still I’m fascinated by the process and the possibilities of this ancient material.
Much of my work is inspired by nature’s designs like shell and fossil forms which lend themselves to the medium.
My Portland stone figurative work is peaceful and contemplative.
Just recently I have relocated to Sea Change Studio 2 at Cockington Court, Torquay where I also enjoy carving various sea creatures like turtles, stingrays and sea jellies in serpentine and alabaster stone.
