> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Artist keeps traditions alive
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Artist keeps traditions alive
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Sculptor Elton Braithwaite is in his element when working in his garden carving wood.
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By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent
GRANBY Sculptor Elton Braithwaite senses the slow demise of traditional woodcarving so he lectures and provides classes to children and adults in the hopes they will "continue his journey" someday.
During his recent 5th Annual Student Show on a half-acre of land behind his modest home on Kendall Street, work from several area middle schools, high schools, and one community college, dotted the lush landscape. Dennis Ashworth of South Hadley, Carla Delle Cese of Ludlow and Kathy Luchini of South Hadley, all students of Braithwaite, also exhibited works during the event.
"Usually each student receives a section of the garden in which to display his/her work," said Braithwaite during an interview with Reminder Publications. "This year, the work was dispersed with mine. We thought that this would add interest and encourage conversation about the variety found in the different sculptures, and that was so."
More than 60 area residents attended the show which featured wood and wood products in medium density fiberboard, sugar pine, pine, maple, rock maple, mahogany, cherry and walnut.
"Visitors always love this show," added Braithwaite. "Most people are not familiar with woodcarving, and they are so impressed by the talent and creativity of my students."
Braithwaite, a master sculptor, is owner of the Species of Earth Gallery which features life-size figures, masks, and relief carvings, as well as smaller figures. He noted his imagination is drawn from sacred and cultural images from Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and the Arawak Indian Culture of his native Caribbean. He said he offers artwork in different price ranges because he feels strongly that everyone should be able to purchase art.
He is also an educator who travels extensively across the Northeast teaching children about his art form.
"I introduce children to an ancient and vanishing art form that has been my passion since I was a boy growing up in Jamaica," he added.
Braithwaite's passion for woodcarving is evident during a tour of his garden area pointing out student work and his own.
"I love sharing my talent, experience, and spiritual journey with the larger community through the work of my students," he said.
Carla Delle Cese was one of the exhibitors and stopped in during the afternoon tour to explain her works and how she receives her inspiration.
"What I love about woodcarving is its ultimate peacefulness," she said. "It doesn't matter how I feel when I come to it the result is always the same. The texture of the wood, the rhythm of the mallet, the need to focus on the details of whatever is emerging under my care, these all combine to envelope my spirit and bring me to a place of peace."
Kathy Luchini was also on hand during the tour and emphasized that Braithwaite has been the ideal instructor for her.
"Elton is a very disciplined artist and he practices what he preaches," she said.
Braithwaite has a unique studio behind his garden filled with strategically placed artwork that provides inspiration while students are working at individualized stations. The studio setting exudes inspiration from every direction.
"I like students to come in and take a deep breath before working," he said, noting he asks each person how they are feeling to ensure they are in a positive place before they start to work. He also emphasized that one's carving will show negativity unless that energy is released prior to carving.
When he's not teaching, Braithwaite can be found in his garden area most days working on a piece of wood from his extensive wood pile many pieces having been given to him by friends and acquaintances.
"People bring me wood with notes all the time," he said with a wide smile. He never knows what will be left on his door step but he knows he can create a work of art from it.
"In each work the spirit within the tree guides me," he said. "Listen carefully and the wood reveals the image and the style of presentation."
Braithwaite's next presentation of artwork will be featured at a garden party on Aug. 11-12 which will celebrate Jamaican culture.
For more information about the Species of Earth Gallery or the August garden party, call (413) 467-2867 or visit www.eltonwoodart.com.
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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Artist keeps traditions alive
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