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At Cape Palette, we are proud to showcase the incredible work of Carl Roberts, whose mastery of bone, wood, bronze, and metal transforms raw materials into meaningful art. This month, we're highlighting some of his most recent and stunning works.
Carl’s sculptures include: "In the Teeth of the Wind" – A captivating ship sculpture crafted from bone, inspired by Carl’s childhood journeys across the ocean. "Twilight" – A powerful wooden sculpture of a man’s face, shaped by the natural form of driftwood. "Breezy Point" – A striking, elongated sculpture made from whalebone, sourced from the Wild Coast at Breezy Point, capturing the rugged beauty of the coastline.
We asked Carl about his creative process—here’s what he had to say:
What inspired “In the Teeth of the Wind”, your bone-carved ship? "Ships have been important in my life. I travelled on many Union-Castle Line ships between Africa and England as a child. The shape of the bone also influenced the outcome—it’s a beautiful medium that polishes up wonderfully."
You also work with driftwood. How do you choose the right piece? "I collect driftwood that inspires me—its shape, texture, or lines guide the final piece. The type of wood is almost incidental, though sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise!"
How did “Breezy Point” come to life, and what led you to choose the whalebone for this piece? "I went to Breezy Point on the Transkei Coast. A friend has a cottage there, and while walking on the beach, I found the whalebone base. The form of the bone blended naturally with the figure I had in mind, and its elongated shape seemed to fit perfectly."
Do you follow a set process, or does each sculpture evolve independently? "Each piece evolves in its way, shaped by the limits and possibilities of the material."
What do you hope collectors take away from your sculptures? "I hope they enjoy owning a unique piece. My sculptures have escalated in price over time, and I create them with durability in mind, hoping they will last for many generations."
To view more of Carl's beautiful sculptures click HERE
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