Heavy Metal

Exploring dereliction and regeneration. I was inspired by the rusty metal substructure of the pier at Hastings. The pier has an almost century long history of damage. World war bombs, storms, fire, sea and the elements have all inflicted their worst. At times the issue of whether it should be repaired was the subject of debate. The pieces in the collection show elements of destruction and repair, having been subjected to my own violent acts, as I took to them with my fists, fingers as well as various implements to dent, tear, slice and warp. Should what has been damaged be repaired? Is there beauty in degradation? The repairs are clumsy and obvious. The slurry, the slip-soaked fabrics which shroud and patch, the metal bolts and pins distorted by the high temperature of the kiln, the bent and rusted steel all enhance each piece. I am the architect, maker, destroyer and regenerator of each one.