Sculptures have always interested me and whenever possible I take the opportunity to visit exhibitions of traditional and contemporary work. It is always fascinating to see how different artists interpret the same subject and the diverse range of materials that can be used to produce a sculpture.
My sculpting career started in the 1980̢۪s when I spent several years working as a woodcarver with Ray Holloway in the Somerset village of Draycott. This gave me experience of a wide range of projects involving anything from restoration work on Wells Cathedral and other churches to carving butter prints for the National Trust. After a series of bizarre nightmares about the butter prints I decided that I had probably carved a few too many and took my career in a different direction.
It was not until 2006 that I began to think seriously about taking up sculpting again and joined a sculpture group meeting every week in Ilminster. Initially I was working in clay, learning about mould making and casting then moved on to try other materials including plaster, lost wax bronze casting and Newplast. I then came across Jesmonite and started to experiment with different approaches to casting and laminating. This work is evolving as I learn about the best way to make an armature, the types of material that can be combined with Jesmonite and how to finish different sculptures.
Inspiration for my sculptures comes from various sources including photographs, paintings and real life. Being base in a rural area of South West England there is plenty of wildlife to be found locally along with farm and domestic animals. My plans for the future include a number of large sculptures suitable for outdoor locations in addition to working on some interesting commissions.
Sculpture Commissions
I am always happy to take commissions for sculptures of all sizes from small wire sketches to large outdoor pieces. If you would like to discuss ideas for a design or have seen something you like and want a similar piece please do get in contact.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouches are popular for presents and enable the recipient to commission a sculpture to their own specification if you unsure about exactly what they would like.
Sculpture Worshops and Classes
Melanie creates distinctive sculptures that use a range of materials to emphasise the movement of the subject. Often the simple wire sketch is a sculpture in its own right and this approach makes a very accessible introduction to the subject for anyone interested in trying sculpture for the first time. All tools and materials provided. Sculpture workshops can be adapted to suit groups of different ages and abilities including: Art & Craft groups, Schools, Pre-wedding Parties, Men in Sheds, WI groups, Friends and Family, Themed events ...and more
Prices in GBP for group workshops - Half day 125, Full day 200. Materials charged at 5/person/day. There is a small charge for travel if outside West Somerset area.
Contact Melanie Deegan on 07596 919787 / info@melaniedeegan.com
