The Boat Series: Untitled 

This relief sculpture of a boat, part of a series by Kerry O. Furlani, is made by carving into wood. The material itself, dark and dense, lends the work a somber, almost mournful quality. You can see the marks of the making process in the striated texture of the surface. It is a direct record of labor; the artist's interaction with the wood. The boat appears tightly bound, perhaps in storage, or in preparation for a voyage. The rope suggests human presence, while the boat itself evokes themes of travel, trade, and the lives of those who work on the water. Furlani’s work brings together the traditions of wood carving and fine art sculpture, giving an interesting twist. By considering the materials and the way they are worked, we can begin to understand the layers of meaning embedded within this compelling object.