Mark Butler

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My work uses an unusual combination of polished bronze forms with the contrasting colour and texture of rusted sheets of steel, linking a material seen as precious with one which is usually associated with decay.

 

My influences often have a scientific background, in the amazing forms that can be found in the microscopic world and their unseen influence on our world. This provides an unlimited supply of interesting forms which I use as the basis of my sculptures. I do not attempt to replicate these, only use them as a starting point to develop my work. As a result, the viewer often interprets my sculptures in different ways.

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Discovering that I could cast bronze in my back garden opened up a world of opportunities to make beautiful works of art. There is an alchemy in turning everyday objects or hand sculpted forms into a precious metal. In its raw state bronze is not that interesting, but add colour and polish it, and it takes on a new life, highlighting the different textures and shining with an inner glow that no other material can match.

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The forms originate as a wax object, which can be worked on in many different states, from pouring as a liquid, modelling like clay, or carving when solid. This allows a myriad of different mark making techniques to be used and the casting process can capture the tiniest detail.

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After perfecting the art of bronze casting, I now try to introduce deliberate flaws into some of my moulds, embracing the unexpected and intriguing results these can produce when the molten bronze breaks through. I complete all parts of the process myself, and I take pride in the craftsmanship of a well finished sculpture, as well as its artistic creation.

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You can see more of my work at 

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http://www.msbutler.co.uk

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www.facebook.com/MSButlerSculptor

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www.instagram.com/msbutlersculptor