Brancusi's Chisel

Although he lived most of his life in Paris, Brancusi remained essentially Romanian in spirit. His studio was reminiscent of the peasant houses of his native Oltenia, he dressed in simple peasant style clothes, cooked traditional Romanian food to entertain his guests, and would sing old Romanian folk songs, and play them on his violin.

So it’s perhaps no surprise that he also drew inspiration for his sculpture from the folk art and architecture of Romania.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit Romania, and recognised Brancusi immediately in the geometric designs of the verandas of the old wooden houses.

As a youth Brancusi showed talent for carving object in wood, and at 18 made a violin, which led him directly to become enrolled at a school for arts and crafts.

So this is my humble tribute to Brancusi, as such just a drawing, but the intention is to make it a 3D object one of these days.