When did you start your creative practice and why?
I started sculpting in metal in my early teens. I am from the Black Country and there were always old bits of metal around and I found it interesting to turn them into something new and creative.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
A large part of my current work revolves around the Working Men Cycle, which is heavily influenced by my Black Country childhood, and the Classical Cycle, my own interpretation of classical and mythical figures, heroes, gods and goddesses.
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
I often encounter technical challenges when making large-scale ceramic figures, especially life-size ones, which calls for an inventive approach to hand building and firing. I have sometimes built raku kilns around the shape of a large piece.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
I am very inspired by classical torsos and try to see as many as can – whether, say, in the British Museum or abroad. I’m almost always immediately compelled to come up with matching heads.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
When I was younger I worked mostly in metal and was aspiring to working in bronze – this all changed when I discovered the Japanese ceramic technique of Raku, which allowed me to achieve a metal/ bronze look while shaping actual pieces and not a mold.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just could not do without?
I couldn’t do without my home-built raku kilns as they allow me to be flexible in terms of scale.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
My Working Men are often met with strong emotional responses, reminding viewers of their fathers and grandfathers who lived hard lives. I would hope that this feeds into their childhood memories and feelings of connection and belonging.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
www.ianpatrickpalmer.com
