On a warm weekend in June, just off one of Rye’s winding cobbled streets, something magical was happening behind a curtain of fig leaves. Visitors to sculptor David Cruickshank’s Open Studio were welcomed not through a front door, but through shady tunnel of fig trees, leading past climbing hydrangeas to a breath taking view over Rye Harbour.
Then came the real discovery: the vibrant garden studio, alive with sculptures that seemed to belong there – as if the garden had grown them, slowly and quietly, over time. Visitors wandered among striking and original works of biomorphic forms, from grand wooden carvings to bronze resin artwork nestled amid roses and oriental poppies.
Cruickshank’s work is rooted, quite literally, in nature. Each piece is shaped from wood in a way that celebrates the grain, the growth patterns, and the quiet life of the timber. His sculptures are smooth, curving, and organic – some abstract, some suggestive of human forms or creatures mid-dream. Nothing feels forced; it’s more like the shapes were waiting inside the wood, and David simply helped them emerge.
The weathered cracks and textures of aged timber lead his gaze and hands, revealing the hidden spirit nestled within the tree’s living form. “It’s about listening,” he said, “not just to the wood, but to the stories it already holds.”
The whole space reflected that idea: peaceful, natural, and open. Sculptures nestled among greenery, the garden buzzing with life, and a view stretching all the way out to the sea.
Cruickshank’s lifelong connection with trees – from climbing them as a child to working as a tree surgeon and conserving historic timber, has grown into a deep passion and respect for woodlands. This bond inspires him to use wood as a powerful medium for self-expression while honouring its unique character and beauty.
And it wasn’t just about looking – visitors were also invited to join in. One corner of the garden was dedicated to a communal mural titled “Come Out of Your Shell and Get Connected”. Guests picked up glue guns, chose from a collection of shells and stones, and added their own piece to the growing artwork – a playful and symbolic way of making something together.
With free entry, a welcoming atmosphere, and a mix of creativity, calm, and community spirit, the weekend felt like more than just an exhibition – it was an experience.
If you missed it, don’t worry. David Cruickshank is planning on welcoming visitors by appointment throughout the summer. You can find these details and updates on future events in the What’s On section of the Rye Town App:
https://www.aryegoodtime.co.uk
Discover more about David Cruickshank here: https://www.davidcruickshanksculpture.com
Image Credits: Arabella Ansar .