Drawing inspiration from the universal symbol of the Tree of Life — a motif found across cultures, philosophies, and spiritual traditions — Jaidev Baghel’s bronze sculpture ‘Towards One’ explores interconnectedness, renewal, and collective human experience. Branch-like forms extend upward and outward in an organic rhythm, suggesting movement, transformation, and continuity. Simultaneously grounded and expansive, the work reflects the cycles of regeneration found in both the natural world and the seasonal rhythms of viticulture across the Estate.
Baghel’s practice merges traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary sculptural language, creating works that feel both ancient and immediate. In ‘Towards One’, material, scale, and form come together to create a contemplative presence within the landscape. The sculpture shifts subtly throughout the day as light, weather, and season interact with its surface, reinforcing its relationship to time and environment.
Installed in the White Barn Garden at The Donum Estate’s Carneros property, ‘Towards One’ reflects Donum’s commitment to presenting international contemporary artists whose practices engage deeply with nature, perception, and the human condition.
Biography
Jaidev Baghel (1942–2014) was a master craftsman of Gadwakam, the ancient Indian art of lost-wax bronze metal casting associated with the Indus Valley Civilization. Traditionally used to create metal bells, the technique employed in this craft produces hollow sculptures rather than solid forms, resulting in a distinctive coiled texture. Gadwa sculptures are recognized for their elongated torsos and limbs, as well as their intricately stylized characteristics.
Born into the Gadwa artisan community of Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh, Baghal learned the techniques of the craft from his father, Srimanram, at the age of 8 and went on to become one of the most influential artists associated with the tradition. He was known for his detailed bronze sculptures of tribal deities, animals, and human figures, combining refined craftsmanship with a strong spiritual and cultural presence. His works range from hand-held figurines to l monumental public sculptures inspired by tribal folklore, nature, and everyday life, many of which are installed throughout India. The national and international recognition of the craft is due in large part to Baghal’s artistic vision and lifelong dedication to the tradition.
One of his most recognized works, the ‘Tree of Life’, a six-foot bronze sculpture installed at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, became a symbol of resilience and environmental protest, created in response to the unnecessary felling of trees in the forests of Chhattisgarh.
Throughout his career, Baghel received numerous honors, including the National Award in 1977, the Shikhar Samman presented by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1982, and the Shilp Guru Samman in 2002. In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate from Ravi Shankar Shukla University in Raipur in recognition of his contributions to Indian traditional arts.
