Sarah Denny's artist's statement
Viewing Objects: The relationship between Internal and External forms
The purpose of these pieces is to investigate and understand the visual and technical challenges in the relationship created between forms – between objects.
I want the object to be viewed thoroughly, and to be inspected from different angles. I want to be able to direct someone’s viewpoint and to highlight an aspect of a form – to make them aware of the space, or of a beautifully perfect curve. I can manipulate what is seen, and begin to highlight the possibilities in form making to other people. The piece should help develop a sense of awareness and appreciation to form, but equally must offer a type of experience to a viewer. Through visually investigating an object, a sense or feeling is conveyed through the piece. It’s all about the experience of looking, investigating, emotionally feeling and responding to an object. Overall I strive to create finished pieces that are sophisticated, beautiful and curious.
I enthusiastically believe in the importance of maintaining traditional smithing techniques. I aspire to promote a complete appreciation of how an object evolves, through material quality and the hand skill of hammer work.
My methods of hand raising can often be extremely labour intensive in terms of physical effort and time scale. Form is initially tested and explored in its model making stage using a base metal. The manipulation of metal is developed further still in its silver form, where the complex fabrications must be carefully considered.
I believe that this thoroughness and dedication of such a traditional practice is a great strength which proudly differentiates my work. Consequently a greater value is placed on the pieces, making these unique objects deservedly high in price.
