Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Root Craft


Whilst wondering through Rome, I happened upon this man, busking on the pathway in a very unusual way. He was carving the most exquisite small scale sculptures from carrots.


In one sense i was awed by his skill and craftsmanship. the objects he had produced with nothing but a small selection of sharp knives and toothpicks were astounding. But this, raised lots of questions; why was such a skilled artisan busking on the footpath? Is the demand for woodcarving so low in Europe that the craft has been reduced to a street curiosity, no matter how amazing? Or was he an artist or crafts person who simply enjoyed what he does so much that he feels he has to reach a wider audience  with his works? 


Unfortunately I'll never know.