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Luminaire Arts Showroom Launch Party
10th March 2016 - Luminaire Arts are celebrating the launch of their brand new showroom in the heart of London, where they will be showing a diverse collection of work from their established artists and fresh new talent.
I will be showing two new sculptures made specially for the event - Pyre IX (pictured below) and Djinn IX (pictured right), as well as five other sculptures from the Elements collection.
For the occasion, they have two events on the 10th of March: either pop in between 3 – 6 PM for a guided tour over afternoon tea; or join me at the Private View Drinks from 6 to 8:30 PM, I would be delighted to share a drink with you and talk about my work.
You can RSVP on their Eventbrite link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-event-showroom-luminaire-arts-tickets-21108935394
If you have any questions or if you would like to RSVP for a larger group, please contact them at enquiries@luminairearts.co.uk or phone [Tel: 07730876086] at your soonest convenience (there is limited space and they expect a high response rate– and we would really love to see you there!).
Pyre IX
March 2016 - My newest Pyre sculpture has a raw and scorch feel that represents the element it represents.
The surface finish is achieved through heating and quenching with oil, which gives a beautiful, almost black colouration. The metal is then waxed to seal and protect the surface.
I have made this piece specially for the new showroom Launch at Luminaire Arts in London on 10th March 2016 at 6pm, see here for details.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 710 x W 360 x D 250mm.
You can see this and other Pyre sculptures on the 'Pyre' page.
Inside The Artist's Studio
March 2016 - This short film was filmed at my studio by Matt Harris from Pixelwork. The video gives an insight to the workings of the artist's mind and studio, illustrates my sculpture practice and how I approach designing and making my work.
Click on the video to view!
Philip Melling Sculpture is now on Facebook!
February 2016 - You can now find regular updates, pictures and information on my Facebook page. For those of you that I haven't already connected with, please follow this link and 'Like' the page to keep up to date with posts. It would be great if you can also 'Share' the page with friends and colleagues who have an interest in sculpture.
I've also got a new Instagram page set up, which you can see by following this link.
Ripple Effect
October 2015 - My latest public art commission 'Ripple Effect' is now installed at The University of Warwick.
The sculpture was unveiled on October 16th by the University's Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Nigel Thrift, during a ceremony attended by a large group of University benefactors and staff.
The artwork is so named to recognise the fact that donations to the University have a ripple effect; donations from their founding benefactors have impacted the lives of those who have resided with the university over the past 50 years, and, together with current and future benefactors, will continue to have an impact in future generations too.
Made from five polished stainless steel rings, the sculpture has the names of 300 benefactors engraved into it's surface.
You can find more information and pictures about the project here.
'Ripple Effect' measures H 2060 x W 2000 x D 800mm.
Smaller sculptures of a similar style can be seen on the Loop page.
Saatchi Art - 'Spotlight on London' Collection
October 2015 - Basilisk XIII has been selected for Saatchi Art's 'Spotlight on London' collection.
You can see Basilisk XIII and the other strong and unique artworks in the collection here.
This is the third time a sculpture from the 'Elements' collection has been selected by Saatchi Art. To be chosen from the host of talent who show work on such an excellent platform is fantastic.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
Ripple Effect - work in progress
September 2015 - My current and most prolific public commission to date is in progress.
Commissioned by the University of Warwick, the sculpture will be made from a series of stainless steel rings that represent the 'Ripple Effect', and celebrates the benefactors who have donated to the university over the last 50 years.
The sculpture will be installed soon, and unveiled at 3pm on Friday 16th October 2015.
Djinn VII
September 2015 - A Djinn is a spirit described in the Quran as a 'scorching wind' - a meeting of air and fire.
This dark red sculpture holds within it a polished stainless steel sphere. The sphere represents the soul of the spirit, hovering still within the maelstrom of wirlwind forms - the eye of the storm.
This is the second of two recently made red Djinn sculptures, which vary in form and hue of colour.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 450 x L 190 x W 180mm.
You can see this and other Djinn sculptures on the 'Djinn' page.
Basilisk IX
September 2015 - I have been experimenting with a variety of surface finishes for my sculptures.
This version has been powder-coated a bright chrome. This gives it a modern, contemporary feel, and a look that is quite different from other Basilisk sculptures.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 300 x L 830 x W 160mm.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
Loop XVI
August 2015 - Loop XVI has just been selected by Saatchi Art for their 'Abstract August' colection.
The sculpture represents the ripples made in the surface when a stone is dropped within. The unique colouration accentuates the water theme, bringing an exciting and relevant quality to the piece.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 620 x L 600 x W 200mm.
You can see this and other Loop sculptures on the 'Loop' page.
Djinn VI
August 2015 - A Djinn is a spirit described in the Quran as a 'scorching wind' - a meeting of air and fire.
This vibrant red sculpture holds within it a polished stainless steel sphere. The sphere represents the soul of the spirit, hovering still within the maelstrom of wirlwind forms - the eye of the storm.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 380 x L 180 x W 180mm.
You can see this and other Djinn sculptures on the 'Djinn' page.
Elements XII
July 2015 - Elements XII is one of a new range of sculptres that have been powder-painted in a variety of vibrant colours that accentuate their themes.
This pale pastel blue highlights the connection between the sculpture and the element it represents - water, as it's form is influenced by the wind.
The powder-coat finish is both vibrant and tough, with a high gloss finish.
The sculpture can be wall mounted in a horitontal or vetical position, and measures H 230 x W 620 x D 100mm.
You can see this and other Elements sculptures on the 'Elements' page.
Basilisk XIII
June 2015 -This sculpture was recently made for an outdoor exhibition - Alcove Art Alley.
The piece has a heavy and aged discriptive in it's form and weathered surface, that reflects the concept of a once molten earth solidifying in layers over the eons.
The exhibition is held at Barnards Farm Garden from 27th June - 18th July as part of the Thurrock Art Trail 2015. Alcove Art Alley Sculpture Trail is sited on the outside of large sculptures in the main alcoves as part of the 80 sculptures already on site at Barnards Farm Garden including a Thomas Heatherwick and Elisabeth Frink.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 750 x W 1430 x D 300, not including the stone slab base.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
Fused Elements Exhibition
May 14th 2015 - June 2nd 2015
Esh Gallery
My solo exhibition at Esh Gallery in Milan, will show many sculptures - including all new pieces from my 'Elements' collection, as well as the two first pieces from the new 'City of Angles' collection.
It is my pleasure to invite you to the openinging of 'Fused Elements' at 6.30pm on Thursday 14th May, and I look forward to showing and discussing my work.
More informatio about the exhibition and opening times can be found here on the Esh Gallery website.
Esh Gallery, Via Forcella 7 (Tortona Area), Milan.
E: enquiries@eshgallery.com
T: +39 0256568164
Djinn V
May 2015 - I achieved this striking red, gold and black surface colour with a patination recipe I have been developing on solid copper bar.
A chemical solution is brushed onto the metal, then heat is applied with an oxyacetylene torch. Wax is then applied to seal and give a beautiful lustre to the metal surface.
The colour illustrates the concept of fire whilst giving the piece a unique quality that can ony be achieved through hand finishing.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 300 x W 200 x D 200mm.
You can see this and other Djinn sculptures on the 'Djinn' page.
Pyre VIII
April 2015 - One of a new series of solid bronze sculptures, Pyre VIII has a satin polished and waxed finish that gives it a beautiful lustre.
I had intended to add a patination to the metal, but I love the colour of the bronze in it's raw form, and after seeing how the colour sublty changed depending on the light at different times of the day and evening, the decision to keep that finish was easily made.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 750 x W 280 x D 290mm.
You can see this and other Pyre sculptures on the 'Pyre' page.
Loop XV
April 2015 - 'Loop XV' is made from solid copper rings. The colouration is created using chemical patination on the metal's surface, then given a wax finish.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 630 x W 600 x D 200mm.
You can see this and other Loop sculptures on the 'Loop' page.
Basilisk VII
March 2015 - My latest sculpture in the 'Basilisk' series is made from solid bronze bar. The sculpture has been subtly patinated to deepen it's bronze colouration, whilst keeping it's metallic nature evident.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 230 x W 680 x D 160.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
This sculpture is exclusively available from 'Esh Gallery', and is showing in my 'Fused Elements' exhibition.
City of Angles II
March 2015 - The second piece in my latest collection 'City of Angles' . Made from rusted angle iron, the sculpture represents how simple 2-d geometric patterns can be extruded into 3-d architecturally styled sculptures.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 435 x W 200 x D 70.
You can see this and other City of Angles sculptures on the 'City of Angles' page.
Pyre VII
November 2014 - I managed to achieve this beautiful red/black surface colour through experimentation with a new patination recipe on copper plated steel.
A chemical solution is brushed onto the surface, then heat is applied with an oxyacetylene torch.
The colour illustrates the concept of fire whilst giving the piece a unique quality that can ony be achieved through hand finishing.
I will be looking to make similar sculptures in the future from solid copper or phosphor bronze, which would also make them suitable for outdoor installation.
The sculpture measures H 665 x W 280 x D 280mm.
You can see this and other Pyre sculptures on the 'Pyre' page.
Loop XIV
October 2014 - I have made a number of smaller Loop table sculptures, with varying finishes.
'Loop XIV' is made from polished stainless steel, I have added patterns created using heat on the metal's surface, then finished with a gloss lacquer.
The sculpture is suited for display on a table or plinth and measures H 405 x W 395 x D 160mm.
You can see this and other Loop sculptures on the 'Loop' page.
Basilisk XI
June 2014 - My latest 'Basilisk' comission for a private client's garden was made from stainless steel and set in a simple ring.
The sculpture is wall mounted and measures H 1000 x W 1300 x D 70mm.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
City of Angles
May 2014 - City of Angles is my first sculpture that uses angle iron to provoke thoughts of mental chaos and order, through archetecturally styled structures.
The sculpture is made in three sections, that can be separated and placed in a number of ways, allowing different patterns of structure to be created.
The sculpture is made from weathered steel and is free standing, measuring H 450 x L 600 x W 300.
You can see this and other pictures of the sculpture on the 'City of Angles' page.
Elements XI
April 2014 - Elements XI features one of my favourite finishes - the steel sculpture has been blasted then oxidized over a period of weeks using course grain salts, which gives the surface a beautiful mottled appearance, which is then sealed with lacquer.
The sculpture is wall mounted and measures H 400 x W 1100 x D 140mm.
You can see this and other Elements sculptures on the 'Elements' page.
Loop X
March 2014 - After a number of commisions for larger 'Loop' sculptures, I was pleased to make this latest edion somewhat smaller.
Dimensions are H 460 x W 450 x D 200mm, a more suitable size for my clent's home.
An industrial variation is added with the use of recycled machine cutting blades, and a contemporary edge with the use of red enamel paint.
You can see this and other Loop sculptures on the 'Loop' page.
'Windblown' - Tree Sculpture
January 2014 - I have just completed this commission of a steel tree sculpture entitled 'Windblown' for the Embassy Suites Hotel in Newark, Delaware.
The sculpture was made from curved sections of steel, with laser cut and formed leaves.
The piece is currently being installed and has not been photographed finished yet, this photo is a preview.
The sculpture has since been powder coated in an amazing chrome finish and mounted on a larger base, I look forward to adding pictures as soon as I have them.
Royal Visit
January 2014 - As part of their visit to the 'High House Production Park', HRH Prince Charles and HRH Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall visited me in my workshop.
We chatted about my work and studio, and I got a chance to show off some my sculptures, along with the processes I use to make them.
You can find more photographs and information on the Royal visit here.
'Loop V' - Mandarin Oriental Hotel
December 2013 - 'Loop V' has been installed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Taipei City, Taiwan.
The steel sculpture has been plated and patinated to give a beatiful golden bronze surface.
Mounted on a black marble base, it is slightly larger than many 'Loop' sculptures - H 1240 x W1200 x D250mm.
See this and other 'Loop' sculptures in the 'Elements' Collection.
New Weldvessels
October 2013 - My latest weldvessels have been oxidized to give a rusted surface.
I have then cut designs into them to show a flowing movement reminiscent of a biomass of fish, or a host of leaves being taken through the air by a powerful wind.
The contrast between the scored steel and the oxidized surface is really beautiful - a real pleasure to work on.
I have used a tough lacquer to seal the pieces, which darkens the oxidized surface whilst highlighting the bright steel.
They are my largest Weldvessels yet, standing at H 580 x D 170mm.
You can find these and many different Weldvessels on the 'Weldvessels' page.
They are available to buy at Union Grantham.
Basilisk X
September 2013 - I have been experimenting with a variety of surface finishes for my sculptures.
This version has been powder-coated a dark red. This gives it a modern, contemporary feel, and a look that is quite different from other Basilisk sculptures.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 280 x L 830 x W 150mm.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
Djinn IV
September 2013 - This version has been powder-coated a bright red. This gives it a modern, contemporary feel, whilst eccentuating the fire theme of Djinn sculptures.
A Djinn is a spirit described in the Quran as a 'scorching wind' - a meeting of air and fire.
The sculpture is free standing and measures H 330 x L 300 x W 250mm.
You can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Djinn' page.
'Loop III' - One Curzon Street
July 2013 - 'Loop III' has been installed in the foyer of One Curzon Street in Mayfair, London.
I have paid special attention to the surface finish of this piece. The steel is oxidized with applications of salts and water over a period of weeks.
Mounted on an off-white stone base, it is the largest of my Loop sculptures - H 1670 x W 1600 x D 200.
Loop III is available to buy at Union Grantham.
See this and other 'Loop' sculptures in the 'Elements' Collection'.
Basilisk - blood & bone
June 2013 - This Basislisk sculpture was powder-coated in an all white surface that reminded me of bone. I decided to give the piece a hand painted, blood red finish that would excentuate the macabre feeling of the piece.
The sculpture is made for wall mounting and measures H 280 x L 800 x W40.
This piece has already sold through Saatchi Art, but you can see this and other Basilisk sculptures on the 'Basilisk' page.
If you are interested in any of my works, please get in touch using the contacts page. © Philip Melling 2015