​An introspective of decline in industry and the impact on the workforce.
The history of declining industry and the effect on communities, links, some consider chains, generations of workers together. The corrosion and decay of the abandoned factory reflect the self-worth of the individuals whose ambitions and opportunities have ended. The eroding surface of Chained explores the symbiotic relationship between industry, workforce, and the community.
The casting of the manikin further incorporates the message of industry and the result of mass production; the body is constructed from coarse clay, pressed into the mould: a process that exemplifies the moulding one must undertake to play their role in society. Carving each link individually determined the overall form. Oxides, iron, and stains enhance the textured surface. With over 100 hours of investment, the outcome is unknown until after the kiln door is opened.
I see this piece as a representation of the decay of declining industries and the direct impact on the connected communities; the piece is open to interpretation and resonates with the viewer.

After just over a year since our initial Covid lockdown, I now have several pieces completed and professionally photographed. 

Many thanks to Ian Nicholson for these images.

Here is a quick peak of some of the pieces from my new collection. 
As its been more difficult to get work to physical galleries over the last few months, I have taken the step of exhibiting and selling via the on-line Artfinder gallery - my shop can be found here - I hope you like it.

The completed piece.
Each link affects the position of the next and influenced the form of the whole.
I have found the process of carving to be almost meditative and have lost hours and hours at the studio.
I think there are several interpretations that can be drawn from this piece - the constraints, both physical and emotional of living through these strange times, with maybe the vaccine as the padlock, waiting to release us. Or maybe the chain is the weight of the virus on the chests and hearts of those taken ill. Or could it be the decay of lost industry and lost life, rusting beneath our quarantine and isolation?
Sorry - I've spent a lot of time lost in my own thoughts whilst carving.

Over the last few months I've been working on a new project, inspired in part by the constraints of lock-down. In a confined space every decision affects and is affected by the next decision and every thing is far more interlinked than before.

Click on the image for more images.

After a long but easy drive up from East Yorkshire to Kirkcudbrightshire, the joint exhibition with artist Andrew Sapcote is all set up and open for business.

Oil & Rust 
23rd July to 5th August 2019
Castle Douglas Art Gallery
Market Street
Castle Douglas
Kirkcudbrightshire
Scotland
DG7 1BE

​It's been a hectic few months and another steep learning curve, but glad to say that all my pieces were (eventually) delivered safely to the Lisbon International Contemporary Exhibition held at Atelier Natalia Gromicho in Lisbon, Portugal. 
Unfortunately due to work and family commitments I've not been able to attend in person,
but the photographs from the exhibition look great.

Royal Opera Arcade (ROA) Gallery, Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 4UY
16th - 21st July 2018
Well, every thing packed up and delivered to London, ready for opening of the Sculpture & Ceramics Exhibition V. Edition tomorrow.
Really looking forward to seeing my work along side many other talented sculptors.
​More pictures to follow - 
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