Like most things creative, an idea starts the wire sculpture process. I like to make animals and characters that inspire me, largely based on my experiences in time and space.
I work from my studio in New Zealand, with mostly galvanised and copper wire ... no moulds, no machines. Just wire, a few tools and a lot of patience.
Start with Google
Having spent a lot of my life working with animals I have a good instinct for their form and function. What really helps me is having a lot of images to refer to, for basic understanding of their anatomy and character.
Building the framework
I need to form the core structure of the sculpture, making sure the proportions are roughly right, as wire being steel is difficult to make changes to once in place.
Adding the layers
Once I have the foundation of my sculpture, I start to add layers that define the shape and texture of the piece. This is where the piece comes alive. Layer by layer, I wrap and weave finer wire to build up texture — feathers, fur, muscle. Each wrap is deliberate. There's no hiding a mistake in wire; you learn to work with it, or you start again.
The base
Most of my sculptures are mounted on native New Zealand timber — reclaimed kauri, puriri, or other local woods. The base grounds the piece and connects it to the land that inspired it.
From studio to your home
Each piece leaves my studio as a one-of-a-kind work. Although wire is relatively inflexible it's ability to bend and twist makes it as elastic as the imagination. That's what I love most about this medium.
If you'd like to see what's currently available, visit my Available Works collection.