When I undertake a new sculpture commission, I feel it helps to have a base on which to form ideas and working on the commission for Mickleover has been no exception.
Nature and Heritage always repeats its self within my work wether it be the material choice or looking at a traditional craft or method of working, or be it taking inspiration from what has past.
Nature - This has always played a huge part in inspiring my work as it’s the only time I can truly switch off is when I’m in the garden getting my hands dirty weeding, it’s amazing how this period of quiet can alter the way you work and often the simplest of things can inspire your work. Nature offers so many forms, shapes, textures and tones you just have to take the time to look and explore.
Heritage - Many of my sculptures uses traditional materials such as willow to create shapes that reflect natures patterns, but other times it can be the traditional craft of weaving that can supply endless ways of fastening, linking and combining multiple strands. In addition to the traditional crafts and techniques is history itself, I have always found heritage fascinating and have delved into my own family history many times, but when a commission begins I love the chance to delve into a new branch of history. Joining the Mickleover History Society each month and compiling my own research has been a great source of inspiration and intrigue, I suppose that when you are creating a public art piece that has the potential to still be here long after I am gone, I like to think that one day someone will be delving into the history of the sculpture and enjoy finding out what inspired the artist.
So looking forward to the coming months I will be continuing my search on “The Trail of the Missing Sculpture” and looking at nature for inspiration and who knows what may be created? Only time will tell.