A graduate of Sculpture at Emerson
College in East Sussex, UK, Walter Yeoman developed his particular
style of sculpture in the early 1990's while working with UK
sculptor David Nash (OBE), best known for his monumental, axe and
chainsaw-crafted timber sculptures, some of which are partially
burned to create a blackening effect.
Following his international
experience, Yeoman returned home to rural Northland to further
specialise in the carving and sculpture of native timbers.
Like Nash, Yeoman has a fondness for blackening wood and is
drawn to the monumentality of timber sculpture. However, Yeoman
departs from the influence of his mentor with large-scale works
such as Nurture and the 4.5 metre
tall Fantail, which combine elements of the totemic
with a supple and organic aspect that belies the sheer size and
weight of the materials used.
Walter Yeoman has held solo exhibitions at Auckland's Whitespace
Gallery and currently lives in Waipu, Northland, where he continues
to produce large-scale outdoor sculpture.