Norville

Norville, by Portland sculptor Phil Seder, is a whimsical yet slightly menacing hybrid creature, part insect, part machine, and entirely singular. Composed of carved wood, forged steel, and copper detailing, the sculpture balances playful invention with meticulous craftsmanship. Its segmented body—bristling with hand-forged spikes, curled antennae, and articulated metal legs—suggests a creature both armored and alert, as if evolved for survival in some post-industrial ecosystem.

The expressive face, with its large copper-rimmed eyes and intricate mechanical snout, hints at personality—curious, possibly mischievous. Blackened carving marks and rhythmic textures enhance the visual dynamism, while the striped abdomen and coiled tail evoke a bee or wasp, reimagined through a lens of sci-fi folklore. Norville stands as a testament to Seder’s skill at blending natural forms with fantastical invention, inviting viewers into a world where imagination and craftsmanship meet on equal terms.