Dan Terpstra
Dan Terpstra
I sculpt wood with a chainsaw. By combining the power of the chainsaw with unusual materials such as partially decayed wood, lumber, or plywood, I create wood sculptures that are visibly unique.
Plywood is an exciting material because of its unpredictability. How the plywood reacts to being cut with chainsaw depends on how well the layers of wood area glued together in the manufacturing process. When I start cutting a piece I don’t know how much of the top layer of wood will remain intact or what will be revealed underneath. This leads to what is sometimes referred to as happy accidents and while working with a chainsaw I desire all my accidents be happy accidents.
I believe my exploration of plywood is just beginning. Every piece I work inspires more ideas. My medium has become my muse.