WILLIAM AXLEY "SNAKE WOMAN" SCULPTURE

Australia 

2000s 

Snake Woman is a striking and evocative sculptural work that melds natural materials with a haunting, visceral presence. 

Crafted from timber and recycled bottle-tops, the figure emerges as a powerful hybrid: part woman, part serpent. The work's large scale and verticality (162 cm tall) give it a commanding presence, while the rough texture and patchwork of reclaimed materials lend it an organic, almost primal energy. 

Yaxley's construction transforms a humble, everyday materials into an unsettling yet mesmerising vision - a testament to resourcefulness and imagination. The sculpture confronts the viewer with its twisted form and ambiguous identity: is this figure a guardian, a creature of myth, or a cautionary symbol of transformation? The combination of human and snake evokes ancient archetypes of metamorphosis, danger and power, inviting reflection on our connection to nature, identity and the uncanny. 

Why it matters 

• Material and craft - By using timber and bottle-tops, Yaxley elevates reclaimed objects to fine art, challenging assumptions about beauty, value and material worth. 
• Emotional Impact - The unsettling fusion of human and reptilian form stirs both fascination and discomfort, leaving a lasting impression. 
• Narrative Ambiguity - The piece doesnt tell a story but opens a space for interpretation, allowing viewers to project their own myths and meanings onto it
• Statement on Transformation - "Snake Woman" speaks to themes of change; physical, psychological, symbolic and to the primal instincts that lie beneath civilized façades. 

Dimensions: Base 100 X 75 Height 162 (cm) 

Condition: In two parts, wheels under the base for easy movement. Good condition, no missing parts, cracks etc.