Joy, Colour & Optimism
Hope Springs Eternal
(Dedicated to Cavan Taylor whose eternal optimism has been a source of comfort and inspiration) (mixed media 126W x 99H x 52D cm)
Created during a time when the world felt increasingly uncertain, Hope Springs Eternal celebrates resilience and optimism. Inspired by Alexander Pope's famous line, the sculpture reflects the belief that hope continually renews itself, whatever challenges we face.
The work is dedicated to a close family friend whose unwavering optimism has endured throughout life's difficulties. His instinctive ability to find possibility where others see obstacles became the emotional starting point for this piece.
Three brightly coloured figures emerge from natural stones like new shoots breaking through the earth in spring. Their flowing curves blur the boundary between the human form and plant life, suggesting growth, renewal and quiet strength.
Created from mixed media, with colours inspired by flowers in my own garden, the sculpture invites viewers to see both figures and living plants, celebrating the enduring persistence of hope.
Joy
(bronze 4/8 55.9 W x 50.8 H x 30.5 D cm)
Joy is a bronze, linear sculpture born from a moment of pure energy and happiness. One beautiful spring evening, feeling full of life and creative energy, I was playing with drawings in my sketchbook when the flowing form of this figure emerged.
I have always been fascinated by symmetry, line, space and the curves of the human body. In Joy, these elements come together to create a figure that seems to leap freely through space. The slender limbs and sweeping curves give a sense of movement and exuberance, while the open spaces are as important as the bronze itself.
I wanted the viewer to feel the same sense of freedom and vitality that I felt when I created it — a figure bursting with energy and joy.
The sculpture was originally made in plaster with the intention of casting it in bronze. Bronze gives the delicate figure strength and permanence, creating a wonderful contrast between the visual lightness of the form and the physical weight of the material.
March of Hope
(mixed media 218.4 W x 80 H x 12.7 D cm)
March of Hope was created during the difficult days of lockdown, when I felt a strong need to make work that expressed joy, energy and the possibility of better times ahead. Rather than reflecting the uncertainty around us, I wanted the sculpture to feel as though it was moving forward.
The brightly coloured figures appear to emerge and advance together, creating a sense of movement, optimism and shared purpose. Their flowing forms and playful lines give the work an almost celebratory energy, while the repeated figures suggest that hope can be strengthened when it is shared.
Colour became particularly important to me during this period. I wanted the sculpture to bring a feeling of lightness and vitality into a world that had suddenly become very restricted.
March of Hope is ultimately a simple expression of optimism - a reminder that even in difficult times, we can continue to move forward, together, towards something better.