wood; 235 x 62 cm;
Signed on back: Siek;
Provenance: private collection Kraków
Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, graduated with honors in 1999. His sculptures often feature symbols of motherhood and caring. He shows our dependence on and direct connection with nature, as well as human frailty in the face of nature's elements. He also often refers to his dreams revealing a part of himself in them. Andrew's sculptures form cycles, while individual works are usually not titled. The artist has had many solo and group exhibitions in private galleries and state institutions. His works have been included in many fine collections.
"In the trees lives the giant Spirit of Nature, one of the Seven Guardians of the Earth. This spirit guards the balance between humans and animals, while giving them shelter and protection. The figures, the forms I extract from the coiled, knotted and cracked trees are their voice, which speaks through my hands. When I begin my work I circle around the trunk, touch it, listen to it, gently shell it, cut the fibers, release the scent, free the mind and move away on a journey to bring a drop of truth. Each tree in which I carve, which I touch with my hands tells me its legend - sometimes this legend is intertwined with my story. The Spirit of Nature hidden in trees is my great teacher and friend. Trees are creatures that have accompanied humans since the beginning of their existence, giving oxygen, fire and food.
They are our true Guardian Angels."
