Page 69 - Wax Fusion Spring 2022 Issue 6 WIP v19

Has wax been a major component of your sculptural practice from

the beginning? How/why did you choose it?

Yes, I began working in wax early in my student days, attracted
by its translucent and visceral qualities. I quickly came to

appreciate its immediacy and versatility as a medium.

Later, I started to research the history of wax in sculpture and

this fed my fascination. I was inspired by the virtuosity of the
Italian anatomical wax modelers of the 17th century and made
pilgrimages to Florence and Bologna to see their work.

My early practice was centered on the human body, and I
remain enthralled by the privileged relationship of wax to flesh.

It has been the medium of choice for ‘body doubles’ of all
kinds – from funereal ef gies to votive body parts to Madame
Tussaud’s. I think it’s this which gives wax its special uncanny

quality.

Folie Anglaise
Wax and polyester resin

65 x 49 x 40 cm

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