24/04/2026
Here you can see my Pendulum sculpture at different stages. I was clearing out my studio this week and found this armature with the dry clay still part attached. I removed the dry clay to reveal the metal armature, which keeps the clay in position whilst sculpting. Armatures are central to my practice, they enable me to sculpt dynamic figures; I like to see it as building the figure from inside out, starting with the skeleton and then apply the clay like the muscles on top.
Whilst making this piece, I found the usual square aluminium unsuitable and so had to use steel to weld the armature onto the round bars. I almost threw the armature away but I like it too much so will keep it a bit longer!
This piece was a commission for a mother of a professional gymnast, inspired by the incredible athleticism of gymnasts on the bars. The final piece is in Bronze mounted on marble, height of 75cm.