Back to Exhibitions
As an Artist Blacksmith Nigel utilises a variety of metals to explore textures and forms found in the natural world. The inspiration and research for his practice this year has drawn heavily on his surrounding local environment and takes into consideration the influences that the seasons have upon the land. He reflects upon the impact of other factors such as farming practices and the passage and markings of animals.
With the emphasis on the recent wet autumn and winter Nigel has primarily focussed on the qualities of copper to characterise the attributes of mud and clay. The malleability and softer properties of the material, smelted from re-cycled scrap and cast into a loose sand mould facilitates an exciting and spontaneous process led creation. The subsequent manipulation and forging along with the enhancement of coloured patination help formulate a visual style that personifies the nature of his surrounding countryside.
