JOHN SKAU - ANIMALS IN ART
VIDEO | LIGHTNING THE TURTLE
ABOUT JOHN SKAU
John Skau was a weaver and fiber artist. He was nationally known for his whimsical work which combined traditional basketry and modern sculptural forms. He described his work as sculptures that celebrated the rich patterns and colors of world cultures.
LIGHTNING THE TURTLE
To make this turtle John Skau started with a few drawings and then went to his materials to start weaving the turtle’s shell. He wove a basket that made the shell by taking strips of wood weaving them over and under each other. He decided to make the box for the body in the shape of an octagon. The head, legs and tail were made next and then sanded, painted and glued into place. He bought the paint varnish sand paper and glue but everything else - the wood for example - rescued from a landfill. From start to finsish it took him 120 hours. He said it was hard work but he loved doing it!