Isobel Rayson | Wood cuts

'The process almost always begins with walking. Wandering through rural landscapes, national parks or along beaches. Somewhere that offers the opportunity to silence the noise and provide a moment of clarity and stillness.

As my mind slows, details of the objects in front of me become more apparent. I find myself particularly drawn to patterns, textures or repetitive marks. I document these details in photographs and sketches adding to an ever-growing collection.

In the studio, I unpack and rearrange the composition of these details often broken down into familiar shapes or singular lines. Using small hand carving gauges, I carve into the painted wooden surface revealing the natural colour of the wood. The carved marks are textured and raw and capture a remnant or record of these quiet moments.'

Isobel Rayson, August 2021