FOR a pop-up preview of a selection of his driftwood sculptures for London’s Chelsea Flower Show—the longest running and most prestigious horticultural exhibit in the world due to take place in May—internationally acclaimed driftwood sculptor James Doran-Webb has given an exclusive insight of his intricate and amazing artwork held at the Cebu International School (CIS).
Upon arriving at the venue, guests were greeted to a range of majestic displays based on animals from small to monumental life-size structures, which took more than 24 hours to integrate into the CIS grounds. Arranged accordingly, the structures weighing up to half a tonne were admired by family, friends, the CIS community and members of the media, making it a wonderful photo opportunity at what was such an eventful afternoon in the outdoors!
Throughout his adult life, James had worked with his hands recreating the animal form in different materials as well as being a passionate collector of drifted and long dead wood. For his sculptures, these pieces and fragments of wood are carefully chosen, then finely honed and bolted onto a robust steel frame creating his exquisite collections of life-like animals. James’ clients come from all over the globe, some of which are the acclaimed Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, a list of contemporary art collectors, to name a few. He has also partnered with the Flying Theatre Agila: The EKsperience at Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna, SM Prime Holdings for an exhibit at SM Seaside City Cebu and more!
Having lived and worked in Cebu for nearly 30 years, Doran-Webb, who is British by birth, is fluent in the Visayan language. He is married to Meg who is from Korea and together, they have a daughter named Diana.