What inspires Raul?

I’m inspired by many things that have shaped both my life and my return to art.

My former professor, Hort Lass, had a profound influence on me. He taught me to experiment without fear and to see art as a constant search rather than a fixed result. That way of thinking stayed with me, even during the years when I wasn’t actively creating.

I also find inspiration in the wood itself. Each recycled piece I work with carries its own history—its grain, its texture, the marks left by time. When I hold a piece in my hands, I feel that there is already a form inside it, waiting to be discovered.

Places like Maleny have also played an important role in my journey. It was there that I reconnected with this passion, simply by noticing a small piece of mango wood that others might have overlooked.

Being part of Men’s Shed has given me a space to continue learning, sharing, and creating alongside others. It reminds me that art is not only a personal process, but also something that can be nurtured in community.

And finally, I have always been deeply inspired by horses. Their strength, elegance, and character have fascinated me since childhood, and they naturally became the main subject of my work.

All of these elements come together in what I create—they guide my hands and give meaning to each piece I carve.