"A Voyage In Time"
“A Voyage in Time”
Sea Turtle
Hand carved from an exceptionally rare 250-year-old Scottish Elm Burr, “A Voyage in Time” began its journey beside the historic Old Drovers’ Road in Perthshire, where an ancient elm tree had finally succumbed to Dutch elm disease. Rather than allowing this remarkable timber to slowly return to the forest floor, Cameron salvaged the tree, recognising the extraordinary beauty hidden within its burr and envisioning the graceful form of a sea turtle waiting to be revealed.
Burr wood is one of nature’s rarest creations. Formed over many decades as a tree responds to stress and adversity, its intricate swirling grain, rich figuring and distinctive “eyes” can never be replicated. Every burr is entirely unique, making this sculpture a true one of one.
Inspired by the sea turtle’s quiet strength, endurance and remarkable journey through time, the sculpture was meticulously crafted using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern carving techniques. A chainsaw established the initial form before rotary carving tools, precision Dremel work and hand-held palm chisels refined every contour, texture and detail. Each cut follows the natural movement of the timber, allowing the spectacular grain of the elm burr to become an integral part of the artwork.
The sculpture is carefully finished with multiple coats of mineral oil to nourish and enrich the ancient timber before being hand polished with traditional shellac, producing a deep, lustrous finish that enhances the remarkable character of the wood while offering lasting protection. To preserve its beauty, it is best displayed away from prolonged direct sunlight.
“A Voyage in Time” is more than a sculpture—it is a statement piece. Designed to become the centrepiece of a home, gallery or private collection, it celebrates Scotland’s natural heritage and the enduring beauty found within one of its rarest native timbers.
Created to outlive generations, this is an heirloom artwork—crafted to be admired today and passed down for decades to come, carrying with it the story of an ancient Scottish elm whose journey continues in a new and timeless form.
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Material: 250-year-old Scottish Elm Burr
Origin: Old Drovers’ Road, Perthshire, Scotland
Artist: Cameron Livingstone
Craftsmanship: Chainsaw, rotary carving tools, Dremel and traditional palm chisels
Finish: Hand-finished with mineral oil and traditional shellac polish
Edition: One of One
Certificate of Authenticity: Included