A Herefordshire farmer turned tree sculptor is celebrating the achievement of a lifetime, after his work was displayed in a prestigious London exhibition.
David Powell, from How Caple near Ross on Wye, has had his welded sculpture work exhibited at the famed Royal Academy for its 2024 summer exhibition, featuring his prized piece; “The Path less Trodden”.
From a seasoned Herefordshire farmer, to a professional welder and sculptor, Mr Powell's journey into crafting the eye-catching sculptures began after suffering from an unexpected health issue, which meant he had to rethink his 40-year farming career.
After having to readjust his farming policy, and a chance gift from his father-in-law, a new passion was ignited.
After receiving some old carpentry materials, he began creating intricate sculptures. Soon after this, he developed a keen interest in the craft of welding, which would lead him to set up his business, DP Tree Sculptures in early 2020.
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Mr Powell not only has an unbreakable bond with his craft, but also the nature that inspires it. His wife Judy said that when he’s not in his shed welding, "he can be found potting, trimming and watering”.
Mr Powell, who has always had a love of bonsai trees from childhood, was inspired by the beautiful trees for his sculpture designs, with extra inspiration also being provided by the nearby beautiful sight of Herefordshire woodland, and the Forest of Dean and beyond.
The handmade welded tree sculptures are created from primarily reclaimed and recycled metals which he sources locally, near his rural workshop. Each sculpture is carefully formed, with some taking over 80 hours to perfect into welded masterpieces.
A vital component to the design process according to Mr Powell is observation, taking extra care to ensure that each aspect is true to the trees natural formation.
The loyalty to observation and authenticity doesn't stop there, with the trees branches hand-applied at varying angles, to replicate how they would naturally grow, and the texture of the bark carefully chosen to give a "life-like finish".
Alongside his incredible achievement, Mr Powell is also a member of the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen, and regularly displays in local galleries in Hereford, Leominster, and further afield in Ambleside and Oxfordshire. He also particularly enjoys participating in Hereford Art week, where he opens his studio to the public to showcase his incredible craft.
The business has gone from strength to strength in 2024, having his first overseas sales, and in January submitting the sculpture, along with 16,500 other applicants, to the Royal Academy, London, for consideration for display in the summer exhibition. In March, he heard he had been shortlisted to 4500 and finally, in early June, that along with about 1000 others, he was notified that his work would be displayed.
Speaking of his great success, Mr Powell said: " It is hard to put into words how it feels to be selected by the Royal Academy of Arts to exhibit at the summer exhibition - I suppose I can, still, hardly believe it.
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“When I'm exhibiting with h.Art or the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen, I am humbled to receive lovely feedback, which gives me the confidence to continue to do what I am doing.
“To be shortlisted by the RA to exhibit in central London is on another level - endorsement from professionals - unbelievable for a farmer from Herefordshire.
“It's still sinking in if I'm honest.”
The sculpture, currently on display at the Royal Academy until August 18, is titled “The Path Less Trodden”; the name being inspired by a poem by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”.
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