The Solid and the Fragile is an array of artworks presented by 12 sculptors who work with materials as diverse as wood, stone, clay, textiles, glass, ceramics, plaster, copper and bronze. It is a celebration of individual approaches to three dimensional art – the art of physical objects. Each artist is presenting at least one major piece of work responding to the title theme. The show also includes a collection of small works following the theme of Trees.
Jacqui Sheard
In 2018, a chance meeting revived my lifelong love for sculpture. After a successful design career, I returned to art. I have always been an observer of people seeing both the joy and pain in their faces - all life is in an expression. I also have a preoccupation with natural forms and an interest in ancient history. The piece explores the fragility of peace within our world. The 3 figures represent the interplay of the solid and the fragile, inviting viewers to contemplate the balance between resilience and fragility in the pursuit of peace. @jacquisheardsculptures www. jacquisheard.com
Jenny Waller
I create sculptures primarily from felt, which I admire for its ability not only to sustain 3D shapes but also to absorb other materials such as silk and tapestry. My surfaces are embellished with embroidery. My themes are from nature, whether mutating or encroaching on man-made objects. Time-Passes’ contrasts the solidity of the clock measuring time throughout the centuries with the fragility of the temporal objects around it. Time-Passes’ contrasts the solidity of the clock measuring time throughout the centuries with the fragility of the temporal objects around it. @jenny_felt_art jenny_waller@mac.com www. jennywaller.com
Jane Yarnall
I work in both ceramic and glass and I have an M.A. Design (Ceramics) from Bath Spa University. My work often seeks to exploit the reactions that occur inside the kiln, whether it be from fusing different types of glass together, or overlaying a sculptural form with glazes or glass. In 2020 I was selected as an emerging talent by the Craft Council. I am a member of the Craft Potters Association and Contemporary Glass Society. Depicting the fragility of our solar system and how cracks are beginning to appear in the fundamental structure of our planets. @janeyarnall www. janeyarnallceramics.com .
Zöe Woolley
I model or carve full figures, portraits and parts with any medium. Often I have an idea or theme that manifests into a gesture, expression and physique. I work with a model and through this relationship the work often reshapes, connecting their life stories and experiences to the idea with their marks and traumas and formative time and I push and pull between the two. I see the paths of energy, how it’s transferred in helical motion and attempt to imbue the sculpture with a sense of before and after. This piece is about family; support, responsibilities and interdependence, with the power and strength of the three elements symbolised in the stance. @zoewoolley6 zoewoolley6@gmail.com www.zoewoolleysite.wordpress.com
Josie Bahar
I create in stone and clay; both offer endless possibilities and challenges. Observing what emerges from my hands and imagination inspire me to dig deeper. The work I am making for The Solid and The Fragile is about striving, survival and strength. I love being a maker and am always astonished and touched by the natural world. The piece explores the fragility of human nakedness and existence. @josiebaharart www. josiebahar.com
David Dixon
I am interested in the blending of geometric, fabricated entities with the natural or biological space. Originally a scientist from Yorkshire, I now live in the South West of England; I am an associate artist at 44AD Artspace and a member of the Cotswold Sculptors Association. The interplay of imperfect geometric forms is intended to suggest the fragility and impermanence of fabricated structures. @dgdixon55 www.dgdixon.com
Roy Evans
I‘m a Wiltshire based metal sculptor specialising in copper to create unique two and three dimensional pieces inspired by nature. My sculptures are created using traditional methods and techniques bringing the stunning colours and textures of these metals to life. Each piece begins with a preliminary drawing or maquette before the metal is crafted into its final form. The human heart is a complex organ that is solid in form but also represents emotional fragility. This sculpture explores this juxtaposition where the delicate feathers create the physical heart shape. @royevansmetalikart www.metalikart.co.uk
Andrew Howe
I‘m a self-taught stonecarver. My work primarily focuses on environmental themes and political issues, and sometimes about life as a deaf person. The stone I use is usually always salvaged, because recycling is good. And it’s cheaper. My studio is in Rockaway Park in Temple Cloud near Bristol, which is an open-air anarchist art gallery. Visitors are welcome. A playful take on the theme of The Solid and The Fragile. Stone is solid; balloons are fragile. @andrew_howe_sculpture www.andrewhowesculpture.com
Lynn Baxter
I‘m an award-winning abstract sculptor and painter working mainly in metal, wood, found materials and ceramics. My practice is wide. For this show I’m exploiting the expressive forms to be found in materials that have had a previous life. 44AD is an experimental kind of place. Wonderful! The homely kitchen chair embodies stability and domestic comfort. This one is tipped over into a new stability but one which is no longer of benefit to humans. The sculpture thus stands as a metaphor for the removal of conditions sustaining human life. @lynnbaxter694 lynnbaxter694@gmail.com www.lynnbaxterartist.co.uk
Martin Elphick
I am a founder member of the Cotswold Sculptors Association. I begin with a definite concept in mind which I retain, but the exact way of expressing it can change, using a range of materials and techniques to make both figurative and abstract sculpture. I am interested in humans and their interactions, unconventional beauty, form and texture. The solid looking wooden base and ceramic head represent a person’s organic, visible self; whilst the bronze figure is the inner self or mind. Paradoxically, the lower body parts are actually more fragile than the more thinly structured and ephemeral bronze figure. @martin.elphick.sculptor www.martinelphick.com
Tina Holbrook
I came to Sculpture quite late in life not having had any formal training or education in Art but know that I will always sculpt for the rest of it! Over the past couple of decades I have been a student of BAS Tutor Sue Larner and have sculpted in clay, wire and ciment fondue, drawn and painted, mainly from life models, later adapting them to the dialogue I felt they needed to speak. Sculpture remains for me my happy place amongst like minded artists whose hearts beat to the same rhythm as mine. An (emotionally fragile) desperate figure clinging onto something solid for solace. tinaholbrook@aol.com
Nigel Parkes
I transitioned from life drawing to sculpture in 2014, starting by working in stone, and now modelling in wax and casting in bronze. I’m currently working on a series of heads named in response to Hill Forts and Earthworks that I’ve known all my life, each one identified by a six fig- ure grid reference - pure and simple; this after reading a collection of essays on Celtic cultural myth and identity and realising how much of what we think we see as mythical vision is the invention of subsequent generations. Transforming a transient and graceful pose into solidity @nigel_parkes www.nigelparkesart.com .