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Clay Holle

Reddam House

RESILIENCE, RESISTANCE, PERSISTENCE

Sculpture

Wax, Wire and photograghs

My intent in my body of work was to explore how plant-like structures can be manipulated to shape and bend their directional growth. Using the malleable properties of wax I melted and shaped ‘branches’ supported with wire bones to build abstract structures that defy nature’s normal patterns, then incorporated elements of wire and bindings to restrict and encourage altered growth. The direction that each branch takes is affected by these constraints just as experiences alter one’s path in life.

My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the artist Janet Laurence.

Thumbnail of Body of Work in Virtual Reality

View in VR

tree formation with short stump and long branches growing up out of a white plinth

Inspect in 3D

bare tree formation with branches growing over a white plinth with one section wrapped in thin white rope

Inspect in 3D

tall bare tree form with two long branches reaching up out of white plinth

Inspect in 3D

long bare tree formation with metal fixtures growing out of a white plinth

Inspect in 3D

long bare tree branches reaching up and down over a white plinth held in place by metal fixture

Inspect in 3D

long bare tree branches pointing upwards growing out of a white plinth

Inspect in 3D

long bare tree branches growing up out of a long white plinth tied with dark green rope

Inspect in 3D

brown bare tree form growing out of a white plinth

Inspect in 3D

Marker's Commentary

This body of work creates intriguing biomorphic forms that interconnect the physicality of sculptural forms with the key concept of sustainability. These ambiguous organic forms could be interpreted as surreal trees or blacken coral, with the limbs in arabesque. Central is the corporeal sense of the title, Resilience, Resistance, Persistence reflected in the forms anthropomorphising into tortured beings that defiantly stand. There is a multifaceted understanding of the modelling of the forms, innovative use of materials, subtle use of objects and inventive integration of the plinth which is incorporated as a sculptural device.