What role does cedar play in sculptures exploring the duality of shelter and confinement?

Cedar, with its rich texture and aromatic presence, has long been a favored medium for sculptors exploring the complex themes of shelter and confinement. Its natural warmth and durability symbolize protection and safety, evoking a sense of refuge. Yet, when carved into enclosed or restrictive forms, cedar can also represent confinement, trapping space within its rigid boundaries. This duality allows artists to juxtapose comfort with constraint, inviting viewers to reflect on the paradoxical nature of human existence. The grain of cedar often mirrors this tension, with flowing lines that suggest both freedom and containment. Through these sculptures, cedar becomes more than material—it transforms into a narrative of opposing forces, shaped by the artist's vision.