Interview

• Why did you finally choose to work with metal?

  It came as a surprise that metals were so malleable, since I had always thought of them as being static and cold, so I got fascinated by the possibilities. Using recycled metals was a very natural thing for me because in community arts you are always sourcing recycled stuff.

• Where do you find inspiration for your work?

  I am inspired by the landscape and natural forms, but also by what the metal does, so it’s a constant pairing of the two things. It’s about what I feel the metal feels comfortable doing, and what the natural characteristics are that come out through experimenting.

• What is the message behind your work?

  I am very concerned with people making the connection with the environment, where the materials have come from. That’s in the way I allow the materials to look natural rather than being confined into some object that I don’t think is appropriate.

• What do you love most about being an artisan?

  I love the freedom of it. I’ve been lucky that I have been able to make enough of a living from it to carry on, because I am one of those people who can’t imagine doing anything else. I get a real thrill out of working with the materials and seeing something emerge.