I imagine you don’t have time to read paragraph after paragraph about me, you’re here to see the sculptures. Here are a few questions and answers.
Why giant beetles?
Stag beetles are an amazing insect. I remember hearing the drones of the stags flying about when I was younger; they reminded me of mini machines, which completely fascinated me. It is one of the few British insects that look as though it has been plucked from the depths of the Amazon rainforest.
I have played with its natural proportion so I can highlight its complex exoskeleton. In its natural scale it’s amazing but scaled up it’s magnificent.
And human anatomy?
Looking at human anatomy is extremely fascinating to me: we are one of the most complex animals on the planet. I always find it difficult to read a book when I’m on the train as my real source of entertainment is in the people moving around me. The mobility and agility of us combined with the analysis of how muscles make up our structure are just a few reasons as to why they captivate my attention. My morbid curiosity has a lot to do with my interest in this subject. The fact our fragile form could be easily broken makes me appreciate life more. Although in many ways we are just as interesting alive as we are dead. The distortion and chaos that surrounds death will also act as inspiration for future sculpture.
All of us are influenced by past experiences, what or who is your
biggest influence?
Bernini and Bacon.
How has your career influenced your choice of subject?
I achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree whilst studying at the Bournemouth Arts Institute, graduating in 2004. The course I studied helped me pursue my interest in the T.V and special effects industry, where I have contributed to films such as Casino Royale and Hot Fuzz.
Whilst working in this industry and working for various designers it has given me the drive to create and design my own sculpture. Through my work I have learned to make models and creatures, which have to be produced quickly then will eventually be discarded at the end of the production.
I wanted to produce sculptures that explored my subject in depth. Not only did the final piece have to be beautiful, it had to highlight elements of the subject, which were not immediately obvious in its natural form. Producing over scaled sculptures like the British Stag Beetle shows its incredible mechanical structure up close.
What exhibitions have recently inspired you?
2009 Exquisite bodies at the Wellcome Collection on Euston Road.
2008 Andy Warhol exhibition in Stockholm.
What projects have you got lined up?
I never know what to start working on next, I always have numerous projects on the go, I currently have three: a flying stag beetle, a wood louse in its defence pose as well a human anatomy sculpture.
What keeps you awake at night?
Failure!