Oxford Sculptors Group Exhibition

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Tue 08 Jan 2013 - Fri 01 Feb 2013

Inspired by the sculptures at the Turrill Sculpture Garden , I went in search of more work to view in Oxford. A hop, skip and a jump over the road at the North Wall Arts Centre , I was lucky enough to find the Oxford Sculptors Group on the first day of their exhibition. Running until 1st of February, I can highly recommend a visit.

They last exhibited at the North Wall a couple of years ago and have continued to go from strength to strength. Now with around 70 sculptors from well established to self taught, that are based in Oxfordshire and nearby counties, there's a great variety of work to view and purchase.



On entering the gallery which is free to the public, I was greeted by a hippy lady. I'm not being rude about the receptionist but referring to a piece in marble resin by Pam Foley . A professional for over 10 years, Pam works in clay and plaster to create originals which she then makes moulds and resin casts from. Pam also runs a range of interesting classes with details on her website.

The stark white walls, plinths and urban concrete ceiling make an ideal backdrop for showing off the varied and interesting collection of pieces from the Oxford Sculptors Group. I was immediately taken with two pieces on show from artist Jennifer Newman-Fox . After coveting her work I was so pleased to meet her in person and understand a little more about her work. Originally specialising in ceramics, Jennifer has moved into mixed media with beautiful results. The two pieces I loved were inspired by cartography, Coast and North Sea.





Nigel Williams ' two pieces named Wise Afterwards made from mild steel, aluminium and leather made me pause to enjoy their contrast. This pair "are all about the choices and decisions we all make throughout our lives". On display are also a couple of steel manipulated photography.



Three beautiful wing forms also caught my attention. Inspired by natural forms, Jez Gibson-Harris uses high tech 3D CAD software in the formation of his pieces.



Curving and sensuous are the wooden sculptures by Richard Fox . The Ravel XIII moves and invites you to run your hands over it.



Sitting central in the exhibition, a gleaming piece by Richard Cresswell, draws you in and all you want to do is run your hands over the overlapping armadillo scales made from nickel silver.



Equally striking are Rachel Ducker's figurative pieces in steel wire. They seem to have a life of their own and I'm sure the photos will speak for themselve at the start of this article. She also currently has a range of similar figures of various sizes showing at the O3 Gallery in Oxford's Castle Complex.

If you want to put a smile on your face, then have a look at the three cheeky sculptures by Eleanor Clutton-Brock or Michelle Greene's boy called Chance.



This is just a snapshot from some of the sculptors with many more varied and wonderful pieces in a variety of styles and materials. You'll need to be quick before the exhibition ends to come and see what's on show.



All the sculptures are available to purchase and with prices ranging from £60 to no more than £3,400 this is a great opportunity to find something special to display in your home that's affordable too.

#art
#cultural_events
#escape_the_city
#exhibitions
#free
#january
!date 08/01/2013 -- 01/02/2013
%wnoxford