Ally Kendrick Clew Sculpture Derbyshire, United Kingdom

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A Derbyshire-based Sculptor, inspired by the landscape, I work predominantly in reclaimed copper and wood to create individual works that capture the essence of the countryside around me.

My aim is to capture and share a time and a place in the countryside around me, the play of light and weather; the tranquillity of an unnamed stand of trees; long shadows across ridge and furrow; a tumbled barn half-hidden in a fold in the hills, and from these come my sculptures. Trees feature heavily because of the roles they play - shapes on the horizon that tell you’re you’re home; growing from rock outcrops, shaped by wind and weather, defying the odds; protecting, sheltering and hiding secrets.

I grew up in rural Somerset, close to the Dorset and Wiltshire borders and have lived in Derbyshire for much of my adult life. Those landscapes are imprinted on me, and in turn on my work. Each sculpture is based on, or is inspired by a place and has a story that I share with that sculpture.

I source wood that is reminiscent of the landscape I’m inspired by. Where possible, I work with local wood from fallen trees which is foraged, gifted or bought. I carve, texture burn and weather it like the landscape I want to capture. Then I take copper sheet, which I love for its malleability and work it into three dimensions, using a wide range of tools and techniques that add texture, colour and movement.