Brandon Kells - Nick Chopper

Nick Chopper; three-dimensional intarsia mosaic made from scrap wood (including walnut, red grandis, maple, pine, and poplar), glue and oil paint; made by Brandon Kells

Approz. 33”x22”

Based on the OZ stories of L Frank Baum.

Taking inspiration from the darker tone of the novels, more akin to Grimm Fairytales, this work centers on the Tin Woodman carving in his woodshed. In the origin story, he loved a munchkin woman and such love was forbidden by the wicked witch. A cursed axe, influenced by the Wicked Witch of the East, severed his limbs one by one, with a tinsmith replacing each with tin. Piece by piece he replaced himself with metal. Ultimately losing his heart, he was then incapable of human love. He eventually rusted in the forest.

Three-dimensional intarsia mosaic. Made from scrap wood, glue and paint. No nails or fasteners used.

Oil on wood scraps, including walnut, red grandis, maple, pine, and poplar.