Bespoke Swift

I enjoyed watching the swifts last Summer, as they came zooming down the Erme Valley here in Devon, making their whirring calls. As soon as I saw thier distinctive sickle forms I reached for the binoculars to take a closer look to admire their incredible acrobatics. I look forward to seeing them again this Summer. I've tried to capture a sense of thier speed and iconic shape. I thought they would be perfect as wall art. I've used stainless that I have bought from charity shops and recycled. For the wings I have used stainless steel serving trays. The wood is laburnum which has been provided by Jeremy Rowitt of Yealmpton Chairs, Yealmpton. Can be mounted using a simple hook I have welded to the back.

'Life on the Wing'

This is a piece of high-end bespoke art perfect as a highly unique/different Wedding gift, anniversary, or any other celebration. I also think it could potentially make for a good company/business art if they used a swift as their emblem. I look forward to displaying/showcasing soon in the South Hams, at places like South Sands Hotel, Gallery 5 Salcombe and Delamore Arts.

The finished tree

Ready for Malbrough Primary School's 'Spiritual Garden'

Bespoke metal art tree, made by recycling teaspoons into leaves, stainless steel serving trays for branches and roots. To find out more about the idea behind the piece please read the previous posts. It is my hope that this will be an eye-catching piece, because it is made from unusual/different materials.

Close up of the seed pods, buffing & cleaning them after welding

Something different. Tree update is coming

The videos of these can be viewed on my Instagram or Facebook. I went up to Stone Lane Gardens this week and RHS Rosemoor. Here is a video of some of my artworks at Stone Lane Gardens. Set in beautiful birch wood setting. These are different and bespoke sculptures because I have used spoons to catch the breeze, set on a balancing pivot. I like how sensitive they are to the slightest breeze, and as they spin, and see-saw. Stone Lane Gardens will be opening again in May. They are planning on opening a cafe, and I have been asked if some of my artwork can be displayed.

Inside the cafe 'coming soon'

Inside the cafe 'coming soon'

Bespoke art for Malbrough Primary School

I create unique art that is individually made from recycled metal, most fortnights I spend a day selecting, and organising the metal I have found. It is my aim to create high end artwork that will create a talking point for years to come. For the tree roots and trunk I am using stainless steel serving trays. The school wanted something big to go on the side of the wall. I am using a working drawing and have used it as a stencil to then individually cut out the roots. I have decided to use teaspoons for the leaves.

Cutting up stainless steel serving trays

Using templates to draw the design

More cutting

Lots of roots & branches ready to assemble

The work bench afterwards

Community Art - Malborough Primary School - Work in Progress

Malborough Primary School, 'Visionary Art Piece'

In the Summer of 2019 I was asked to undertake a special commission for Malborough C of E Primary School, near Salcombe, and Hope Cove, South Hams. Devon. The children were given the statement 'Roots to grow, wings to fly, all within the love of God' I was given drawings from the children to see what ideas this statement had inspired. By talking with the Headteacher, looking at the drawings and reading the statement I began to form an idea, based on a Sycamore seed, (or any tree/plant with winged seeds)

Work will be revealed soon!

A seed that flew into my garden

I watched one of these seeds being blown in the breeze last Summer, it was brilliant to see, for a minute I thought it was a butterfly, as it got caught in an eddy of wind it hovered around in mid air, before landing.

Photo I took of a tree between Ermington & Modbury (Summer 2019)

I particularly liked the shape of this tree spotted on one of my walks between Ermington & Modbury. Shortly before this a group of Roe Deer caught my eye, as they leapt across the field.

The Cockerel

What to do in Devon?

If your an art collector, in the South Hams, looking to buy artwork that is different, elegant and designer, then arrange a visit to see me. Devon is a great place to visit and see lots of art.

The cockerel you see below took me over 37 hours to make! Here it is still being completed, almost there. There are so many processes to complete when making one of these sculptures. First there is design, drawing; welding; cleaning welds; polishing; final check at the end.

Based on a cockerel in Ermington Village

Ermington, Modbury and Ugborough Saturday markets

Last Saturday I had my busiest market day so far. I started the day at Ugborough Sustainable Saturdays by setting up my stall at 9.15 to showcase my portfolio of work. I have retained copies of most things I have made, so I have something to show people. After this, I went to Lambside Farm between Battisborough and Noss Mayo to  relax and enjoy (not stall) a Christmas fair based in farm/workshop buildings. They had some really nice coffee, pie and mince pies. I enjoyed the company of the other artists and sitting by the log burner. Later, I returned home to set up my stall for my local Christmas Fair in Ermington Church 5-7.30.

This was the previous week at Modbury Christmas Fair 2019

Ermington Christmas Fair 2019