Chris studied at Leicester Poly gaining a BA Hons in jewellery and silversmithing in 1988. He designed and made jewellery for three years before joining The Steelworks, where he welded various designs: desks, wall art, lighting and a selection of weird animals, all from the Camden Lock gallery. In 1993, a move to Covent Garden and the creation of Rex The Mouse brought a whole new audience which has kept Chris busy for the best part of twenty years. While Rex is still going strong, Chris' eyesight needs a rest from the intricate welding Rex requires. Larger designs had been brewing in his mind. Garden sculpture was the outcome and the the first sculptures in the spring of 2013 were well received. Based on natural forms, Chris' simple interpretation of leaves and buds in steel, stand out well against a garden backdrop. His designs have 360 degree interest, framing plants and buildings, while the steel surfaces reflect both sky and vegetation.
Living in Martock, Somerset and working from a shed in the garden has allowed Chris to keep up his ethical stance. There is a wonderful selection of businesses locally including a well stocked timber yard, metal works and powder coaters. All are great to work with and put up with Chris looking for scrap and off cuts.
Statement
Cartoon sculpture has been my forte over the last twenty years. Looking to take a break from this more intricate work, I have returned to a previous interest in natural form. In the Spring of 2013 I began work on a range of leaf forms. Embracing some new welding and metalworking techniques has led and inspired further designs. Each is individually crafted in my garden studio before being planted in the lawn, to age over a few weeks.
http://www.ckgardensculptures.co.uk