Chalice

• A masterful Oak Wood Sculpture, reflecting the natural beauty of oak and the artist’s skill.
• Carefully selected oak wood, known for strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns.
• Sculpted, sanded, and finished with meticulous attention to detail, creating a visually stunning and smooth piece.
• Each curve, contour, and texture tells a story, with light and shadows adding depth and dimension from different angles.

This sculpture is crafted from bog oak, a material as rich in history as it is in beauty. Bog oak is oak that has been preserved in bogs for over 5,000 years, dating back to the time when the pyramids were being constructed. This ancient wood is reclaimed and then slowly dried for two years before it is sculpted into the stunning piece you see before you.

The rarity of this material cannot be overstated; bog oak occurs under very specific conditions and is rarer than diamonds on our planet. Its preservation and transformation over thousands of years imbue it with a spiritual essence, which plays a crucial role in the creation of the sculpture. The artist, Stephen, views his work as a collaboration between himself and the oak, a partnership that honors the journey of the material and the energy it brings to the final piece.

Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of history and a work of art that represents a deep connection between the past, the present, and the creative spirit.

Stephen Costello — Bog Oak Sculptor (Artist Statement)

I am captivated by the allure of bog oak, a material steeped in history and mystery. It is a humbling thought to consider that our ancient ancestors, living when this wood was part of a thriving forest, were motivated by the same fears, needs, hopes, and dreams that drive us today. My creative process is guided by the natural shape of the wood; I never feel compelled to impose my vision on any piece. Instead, each sculpture emerges from a collaboration between myself and the piece of bog oak.

Often, pieces of wood will sit in my studio for months, their true nature concealed, until one day, the image they are destined to become reveals itself to me. I am drawn to explore images that are as ancient as the wood itself, yet still resonate in our modern world and have found their way into our collective mythology. My work is a reflection on the struggles and hardships endured by humankind, our resilience and determination to survive, and the awe-inspiring creations we bring into existence to help make sense of it all.