For this sculpture, titled Contorta, I wanted the work to have an organic feel to it like branches and tree roots. With this in mind I added new bends to the reclaimed rollcages that I had already cut down to smaller lengths. And although I had spent much time planning it in my mind the sculpture took on life of its own as it developed and grew. Once again, I used French boules sets for the larger balls and also added small mini boules. To me the larger balls are like fruit or tubers and the smaller balls are like new growth in Spring as it spreads…
Sorry I have not had much to report on this blog but I have spent most of my time spraying sculptures and sculptural furniture. I have a few on the go and they are all at the final stage and it is a case of mask off, spray, wait and then another coat of paint. Some of these works are intended for the outdoors so need many coats of paint.
Apart from that I have been sketching ideas for new works, tidying up the workshop and have purchased a new saw.
Loads to do… But I love it
Just purchased a big 5mm plate for a new workbench Dave (new Ashwinstudio sculpture technician) and I have built from scratch from 40mm box section. We saved a fortune building it in-house and it is custom built for the space and use.
A new member to the Ashwinstudio team
I would also like to announce a new member to the Ashwinstudio team, David Grant, who is the to work as a sculpture technician although he will be mostly helping with the construction of the sculptural furniture. He is a close friend of mine who I have known, along with his family, for years: David is also a first rate engineer, welder and has a good eye for design. Believe me, when working with steel girders or stripping engines apart, two hands are better than one. It is also great to have someone to bounce ideas off.
Thought I would post some photos of work in progress – another sculpture made from recycled parts. These include a broken clamp, spanner, break drums and bearings:
Ashley arc welding a new metal sculpture
Cleaning the sculpture
I have finally completed a new metal sculpture from all the scrap metal and car parts I have been collecting and recycling. It is titled ‘Les Liens Familiaux’, it stands about 6ft high and is fabricated from metal tubing that I bent and welded and scrap engine and car parts. Many of the parts move and the family members can be positioned in many different directions. Moreover, depending on whether the figures are facing inwards or outwards the sculpture takes on a very different meaning…
Les Liens Familiaux
I am delighted to announce that I have just put two of my metal sculptures on display at Haddenham Gallery Sculpture Garden. It is fantastic and interesting venue to display art and is well worth a visit. The sculpture garden has a whole range of work on display, by a diverce range of artists. In addition, there is a tea room, gift shop and two other galleries showing work from all round the world.
Trinity - metal sculpture, now on display at Haddenham Galleries
Scales of Balance - Balance of Scale
Spent most of the day dismantling to engines with David Grant and received more scrap metal from friends. We have some really interesting parts now and lots of new ideas and still have a big threshing machine to take apart. However, the engine parts need degreasing and I need to buy a new welder.
Had some success with sourcing interesting objects (engine parts, farm implements etc) and so far have several old engines to dismantle. But still need loads more – no such thing as too much.
I really need start sourcing more interesting scrap metal and found objects (metal) for sculpture. I am looking for old farm implements, train parts, engine parts. So if you know anyone in the UK who may be able to help – then please contact me.
Trinity - metal sculpture
Here is a pic of my metal sculpture titled Trinity in my garden.
Comments (0) 
