Gavin Carter

Epithet: Artist and Sculptor

Record type: Biographies

Biography: Gavin Carter is a contemporary artist and sculptor, originally from the Northeast England - now based on the Isle of Man. In the early stages of his career, Carter worked as a tree surgeon - which allowed him to follow his interests in woodland conservation and art. This led to the development of more sculptural elements in Carter's work, which predominantly consists of woodwork sculptures.

Carter's favourite material to work with is said to be oak - but the artist has worked with many different types of woods. He enhances the texture of his work by deliberately leaving chisel, chainsaw, or axe marks on his pieces - making them distinctive and eye-catching. Scorching and wire brushing wood are also techniques often used in Carter’s work to bring out patterns in the grain of the wood, in a way that brings out the natural beauty of his materials.

Since coming to live on the Isle of Man, Carter's work has been inspired by Manx culture, nature, and heritage. In 2021, Carter was one of thirty-one artists involved in a collaborative artists’ project, ‘Ellyn: A Tale of Contemporary Art’, celebrating the Isle of Man’s culture, nature, heritage and more, coordinated by the Isle of Man Arts Council. Carter described this as an opportunity to ‘take stock, appreciate what we have and count blessings’, in reference to his appreciation of Manx culture, which is expressed through much of his work.

Occupation / profession: artist

Gender: Male

Date of birth: 26/04/1956

Name Variant: Mr. Carter, Gavin

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