North Carolina sculptor Patrick Dougherty stands out from his peers primarily due to his chosen medium: Dougherty collects sticks and branches, which he then bends into intricate interwoven shapes, creating impressive works (many of massive size and density) that are now found in major art collections. Filmmakers Penelope Maunsell and Kenny Dalsheimer's documentary looks at the great patience and planning that goes into these labor-of-love sculptures. Dougherty works with a team of assistants in the harvesting of the sticks and branches (some fairly heavy), which are subjected to an extremely intensive decontamination effort to ensure that there are no insects residing within the gathered wood (an earlier installation was dismantled after Dougherty failed to identify a nest of praying mantises, which made a surprise appearance in the midst of a gallery exhibition). And then begins the art of twisting and turning the wood into distinctive patterns without breaking or splintering, which requires extreme care. An intriguing profile of an iconoclastic creative artist (also available on Blu-ray at higher prices), this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Bending Sticks: The Sculpture of Patrick Dougherty
(2013) 54 min. DVD: $25: individuals; $89: high schools & public libraries; $199: colleges & universities. PenKen Productions. PPR. Volume 30, Issue 1
Bending Sticks: The Sculpture of Patrick Dougherty
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