Birds are deceptively simple abstract forms, which allude to bird shapes. As a long-time admirer of the sculptor Brancusi, I envy his ability to capture the essence of his subject, creating a purity of form with minimal detail, whilst projecting profound presence. My response has been to strip back the forms to achieve an exquisite simplicity retaining a definite bird-like quality.
The Fish series is continued exploration into Brancusi type approach to sculpture yet allowing a bit more detail in the surface treatment and use of colour. These pieces are made using colour overlays, then working the surface of the glass to produce pattern and colour variations.
Nests are a delve back into childhood memories of finding discarded weavers nests in the veld in South Africa. They were discarded by female weaver birds, that were unimpressed with the male birds nest building efforts. I admired the male birds tenacity and ability to keep trying, until it was right.
Figures are an exploration into the human form. These Biomorphic forms are a humble nod to some of my favourite artists, namely Louis Bourgeois, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore
These works are deeply personal and comment on the vulnerability of our mental well being and the fine line between sanity and insanity.
The bed speaks of fear and fragility, of a precarious balancing act and danger. The neglected institutional feel of the bed is made all the more disturbing by the rusty nails. There is no comfort here, no rest and no respite. The bed is the site of confinement and mental torture. The fragile lace like glass bubbles, like so many thoughts in disarray, balance precariously on the rusty points, until the moment of collapse and breakdown.
If one considers, that we store almost everything we see, feel and learn in our subconscious, it must follow that we have a vast quantity of memories and feelings hidden in the midst of our minds. When one of these is suddenly brought to the surface by a smell, a song or an experience we have a powerful reaction, whether it be one of melancholy, disgust, fear or joy - it is exceptional in its surprise. It is this emotion that the artist wishes to evoke in the viewer, knowing that every viewer will have their own unique reaction to the work.
Tortola
Like seaweed dancing in the ocean, the movement in these pieces is fluid. Allowing the shape, for the most part, to be directed by the heat. Little windows are carved and then meticulously polished to create intriguing visual effects. Looking through them the viewer sees not only through, but also into another world.
