Wood sculptor Sam Perry turns the saying “seeing the forest for the trees” on its head — not to mention on his lathe. Turning is a good description of his exhibition at M Stark Gallery in Half Moon Bay during October.

“My work is all about the curve,” Perry describes his inspiration. They do turn and twist in forms that can best be described as sinuous, dare I say sensual.

His sculptures are different from the bowls and boxes at craft fairs. These are full-fledged expressions of almost human grace. They’re beautiful but not about “pretty.” You’re meant to see beyond the surface to the “struggle” within.

“It’s just an abstract of shapes. Shapes relating to one another,” Perry said.

From simpler erotically carved pillars to pieces that appear as women’s legs walking, towers of dark and l

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