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Iron Vein Viki Govan and Richard Warner both graduated with BA(Hons) from Dartington College of the Arts in 1994. Originally from a theatre and fine arts background, they moved from installation work to land art to metalwork sculpture. In their final year at college they produced a series of five sculptures made entirely from car parts which addressed the major issue of the car in todays society - a dependant culture. One of which was bought by Devon County Council for siting at the Devon Drivers' Centre. Compositional needs dictated long and discriminating searches through scrap yards for specific elements and this brought into focus the innate qualities of materials available which had been deemed worthless in their original working environment. Fascinated by the creative potential these new-found materials offered they wanted to share with others the "rediscovery" of the intrinsic beauty of shape and texture which an industrial society overlooks. They began to explore, combining elements as their natures' suggested, transmuting their function, context and cultural value. The resolution of incorporating sculptural and functional concerns, with their continuing interest in environmental art was a desire to create furniture and sculpture which not only complements and enhances the landscape into which it is placed but also provokes thought and contemplation, pleasing the mind as well as the eye. Their garden furniture exemplifies their current style of work, exploring the link between romantic and classical, natural and artificial; relating to the tension between the chaos of nature and the structure imposed upon nature by anyone who tends a garden. They see their work as a complementary statement; a symbolic renewal of what was lifeless - organic yet designed. Gardens express and echo states of mind and allow the imagination to reign free. They are a blank canvass to some, a sanctuary to others or a link with our collective spiritual existence. This is why Viki and Richard feel their pieces have resonance. They are reclaimed from the past, yet the resultant forms are vibrant and energetic. Biography Viki Govan 01.12.70 Richard Warner 03.03.71 Both graduated 1994 BA(Hons), Dartington College of the Arts. 1994 - Sculptures commissioned by Devon County Council Work since exhibited at: Oriel 31 Welshpool 1997 Chelsea Flower Show, Peter Styles' Cesar Manrique award winning garden Commission from the Arts Council of Wales 1998 Environmental Communication Awards commission from Cardiff County Council |
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info@oriel-cambria.co.uk |