Tennessee sculptor Brad Sells explores the relationship between man and tree in his sculptural woodwork. He approaches each piece with a strong sense of reverence for his medium, aiming to enhance the wood's natural qualities, not change them.
"A tree is a selfless mentor inspiring me to reveal its beauty, its truth," says Sells, from the studio in his hometown of Cookeville, TN.
Three years ago, he felt a calling to use his tools in a very different way. In March 2020, a tornado hit the city of Cookeville. With his equipment he uses for his sculptures, Sells headed into his community to help with the cleanup.
However, little did he know, his work for his fellow neighbors would go far beyond that.
Sells took on the project along with sculptor, fabricator, and metal caster David Fricke. Today, the Tree of Hope stands in Cookeville's Dogwood Park. "The piece is titled When The Robins Come," Sells explained. "The robin is said to be, in some cultures, the connection to lost loved ones. What it means to me is the process of grieving and hopefully healing."
“Just to see that firsthand, the destruction, it was humbling, scary. There was also a beautiful sense of community. Everybody showed up to help.” - Brad Sells
Hydrofoil
Curly Maple
5.5 x 11 x 4.5 in
$450
Stalacite
Indian Rosewood and Hand Tint
9.5 x 9 x 5.5 in
$1,250