By creating a giant sculpture of a hand rising from a tree stump, artist Simon O’Rourke redefines the term “palm tree.” The 50-foot-tall work of art, titled Giant Hand of Vyrnwy, morphs before your own eyes.
A tree at its base gradually sheds its bark as you look up at it, eventually becoming the skin of an arm and ending with the creases present in the palm and fingers. With its folkloric nature, this shift between rough and smooth conveys the feel of an impending invasion.
Carved into a tree that was once the tallest in Wales is the Giant Hand of Vyrnwy. This is the very reason why O’Rourke was able to produce this particular artwork. Natural Resource Wales planned to engage a sculptor to work on the tree from being chopped down after a storm to save the tree from being chopped down after a storm.
The necessary equipment and a strong work ethic were required to create such an outstanding sculpture. O’Rourke used tung oil, plant-based oil that is harmless for the environment, once the statue was finished. In addition to being a stunning piece of art, the process served as an essential reminder for O’Rourke.
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