I make mechanical sculptures and have done for over 30 years. Take a look at my website or Instagram. I like ideas and hopefully my sculptures provide something for the mind as well as the eye and maybe something for your sense of humour, as well. My sculptures are assembled from old machine parts and found objects but the idea comes first.
Since the year 2000, I have kept a small notebook in which to draw ideas, as they occur to me whilst going about life. If I end up realising the idea into a sculptural machine, then there is another layer of drawing, working out the nuts and bolts of it (literally). But these books don’t get into all that; they are the idea only, floating in space. Some of the ideas I did make, some I didn’t and some are fine as drawings only.
In the last few years, I have been encouraged to include some drawings in exhibitions, which has opened a way into these previously private jottings. The idea to compile a book of these drawings has been hovering around for a while. Colección Solo in Madrid have been supporters of my work since 2019 and have been involved in other artist’s books, so this seemed like a good fit. They have provided me with some generous support but I need some more to realise the book fully. The extra funding here, will enable me to make the book the excellent tactile object it should be. Clothe bound, a ribbon bookmark and quality paper, printed and bound here in Wales. It will enable direct distribution to you, the reader, and to establish links with quality book vendors. The book will measure 16cm high by 11cm wide (6.25 x 4.25 inches) and have 144 pages, 140gsm and have a hard cover. The aim is for it to feel like one of the notebooks, I have used. There will be a foreword by Paul Smith, another supporter and ideas man. The book will be titled 'Things I might make.'
A book will be an ideal means to share these drawings: I drew them in a book; you will be able to read them in book. From my hand to yours; from my brain to yours (spooky!). I have worked with two trusty editors to give me some perspective and we have kept in mind that you need to be able to understand the drawings. You may have to work a little. It is a loosely organised miscellany, with no narrative but hopefully a flow. There are eleven drawings paired up with a photograph of the finished piece to give you an idea of both ends of the process. If you buy a copy, you will have voting rights on which ideas I should make in the future. You will become part of the making process. If you are able to support this project, I would be very grateful and hope you enjoy joining me on my mental meanderings.
Below are some example spreads from 'Things I might make':