The Artist

www.serenathirkell.co.uk

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My forbears were painters Edward Burne-Jones and Thomas Lowinsky. As well as sculpture, my career was in design, antiques, theatre, also writing. I studied Classics hence the mythological element in my work.

My sculptural influences range from the Ancient Greeks to Epstein and Brancusi, from the mannerist fantasists of Italy to Picasso, Dada and contemporary urban gorilla extravaganzas.

Of recent years I have shown widely in the South East and have work in collections in London, Rome and Paris. At present I am working on a commissioned insect series, new works in polished steel and maquettes for three bronzes I will cast in spring.

I am a freelance sculptor making welded steel and found object sculptures for interiors, gardens and parks. They range from large geometric or mythological pieces and installations to fantastic animals and small insects.

I source my materials, old tools and machinery from scrap yards, markets, industrial auctions and farm sales. Powerful tools for slicing, drilling and turning have terrific energy and emotional force. I use scythe blades for angels' wings and swirling augers for insect antennae.

Often I find wonderfully engineered pieces whose design, execution and raw materials would be prohibitively expensive to make. Necessity leads to invention, I love to combine the new and recycled into original forms.

My work includes swarms of insects welded from files, pliers and blades; a six foot giraffe and a Trojan horse from pipe bending machines; turfing spade Madonnas with hair of looped chains; abstract iron screens, strange machines, mystical toys and games.

Amongst my installations are a 'Passion Garden’ of iconic mythical figures, a series of Tai Chi energy icons, and an Ancient British queen chained to a burnt out chassis.

I have just finished a giant silver mantis in polished steel made from a giant potato lowe and a zinc excavator plinth.