‘Wireworks' is an exciting exhibition of two and three-dimensional work from an exceptional group of designers who work with wire. Nine designers have been selected who illustrate the diversity of their medium. Different techniques and approaches are highlighted to demonstrate how wire can be wrapped, twisted, knotted, knitted, sculpted, coloured or textured, thus creating original and wonderful pieces of contemporary craft. All work is for sale and some original items are available to purchase interest free through the Own Art scheme.

Inspired by memories of people and places Lynn Walters finds metal and wire the perfect medium to express herself. Anodised aluminium, mild steel wire, recycled tin, copper wire and found objects are all utilised to make wonderfully whimsical sculptures depicting everyday life.

Celia Smith's inspiration is largely found in birds. Celia captures the form, movement and character using steel and wire as a tool to give the birds life and energy. These beautiful pieces also have recycled elements to them as many of the materials are sourced from scrap yards, something satisfying for the artist as she is giving new life to redundant materials.

Cathy Miles uses iron binding wire to compose three-dimensional bird forms and combines them with found objects, adding a unique and charming quality to each piece. Inspired by bird's interaction in the wild and observing these closely, Cathy has been able to translate her observations through this medium, adding dialogue to bring a quirky appeal to the work.

Rachel Ducker sculpts wire into human forms to create intriguing and stunning pieces. Well practiced in life drawing combined with being trained as a jeweller led Rachel to experiment with this medium and the results are truly captivating. Each sculpture is featureless and so it is the posture which says everything about the pieces, the hands being the main tools of expression.

Rozie Keogh works with methods derived from garment construction. Her wire knitted pieces, inspired by fairy tales and myths, often include other materials like beads and sequins adding to the fascinating forms. Shadows cast by each piece is an integral part of the work and the environment in which it stands can affect the overall appearance.

Priscilla Jones's two and three-dimensional wire sculptures are constructed not only using wire but also thread, fabric, paint, wax and stitch. Her intricate sculptural mixed media forms explore the process of ageing and decay in everyday objects. Her delicacy with the medium is what makes this work such a success.

The essence of Sarah Jane Brown's wire knitted sculptures are to create pieces that are uniquely individual, made with attention to detail. The flexibility of the wire knit enables it to be manipulated by hand to create the initial form and then further wrapping, twisting and hand stitching adds a distinctive and personal element to the animal and human forms.

The delicacy of the human form dominates the stunning work of Fiona Morley as she uses wire as a three-dimensional interpretation of drawing. Her fragile pieces are expressive and exciting as she manipulates the wire, enjoying the spontaneous way of working.

Katherine Harvey's wire bird sculptures are delightful, each piece is full of character and appeal. Katherine uses black steel binding wire to create the forms and simply binds the wire around itself, no soldering or adhesive is involved in the process. Her work is derived from observations of birds in the wild and it is these interpretations which bring a unique feel to the collection.

 

Cathy Miles

Katherine Harvey