After many years working in Italy I have now returned to Cornwall and set up a new studio in Redruth. My old Cornish store of two and three dimensional works, which had languished far too long while I was away, is proving to be a treasure trove to be re-cycled, and my work has been re-invigorated by these fragments of the past being integrated with my current preoccupations .
I am essentially a figurative sculptor, making images that evolve from myths and fables from around the world intertwined with my dreams and experiences, the emotional and intellectual content taking on wider connotations by considering pertinent cultural and historical reference.
Recently the most fruitful and inspirational has been the rich global histories of messengers that fly between man and the gods and the mythical, anthropomorphic creatures inhabiting man’s imagination, hopes and dreams.
There is also a continuing dialogue between figuration and abstraction during the evolution of each piece, so developments are informed by considerations of perspective, architectural space, changes of scale, distortion, abstraction and geometric composition. Sketchbooks, maquettes and working drawings underpin my search for alternative solutions during the development of my ideas. The physical process of construction and experiments with a variety of media also contribute to changes in my work, but the desire to add a gentle humour and the figurative and narrative content remain the crucial factors in resolving the final image.
Thank you for taking time to look through the images of my recent two and three dimensional artworks, as well as others from the archive. Some works are now in public or private hands, sadly some no longer exist but there are several in my studio store. If you require more information on any of the works displayed or you are interested in a studio visit, a purchase or commissioning a work please get in touch, details below.
David Westby