Julia Smirnova
Wire sculptor
Munich, Germany
Wire in amorphous forms
- Julia works with wire for the creative freedom it allows
- Her process is slow, repetitive and demands strict attention to detail
- She gently guides the material rather than forcing it
Julia Smirnova’s practice explores the interplay between organic forms and metal wire through sculptural experimentation. After completing her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in the Free Art and Painting programme, she discovered various techniques for working with wire and developed her approach, traditionally associated with jewellery making. As Julia began researching other ways of working with the material, she developed the technique she now works with, traditionally associated with jewellery making. “I was never really interested in creating jewellery. Instead, I wanted to experiment with wire's potential for creating objects and sculptures,” she says. Julia’s work today is composed of several kilometres of wire that pass through her fingers in countless repetitive movements.
INTERVIEW
I create highly organic forms using metal wire. The final shape of each amorphous sculpture evolves through a process with no force or pressure. Every new row of stitches creates new folds and twists as the material naturally finds its own path.
No physical force is required to create the shapes. My technique relies on the natural properties of the wire, using tension and structure to generate folds, curves and lines.
I draw inspiration from the material itself. It is fascinating to observe how shapes, reminiscent of sea creatures, fossils and other organic forms, emerge without any deliberate intention on my part. The works are inspired by the idea that everything in the world is composed of molecules that, stitch by stitch, come together to form living, organic structures.
My favourite part of my creative process is when the work is complete. The end result often leaves me surprised.
Julia Smirnova
Wire sculptor
Munich, Germany
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
German, English, Russian
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