Approved: 16.08.2006

Michael Fairfax

Artist

Approved: 16.08.2006

Concepts As a public artist my work responds to the site and the brief, whether making bollards or large one-off sculptures. The way the site is used by the public is important. There are certain constants within my work, the use of light on and through the piece, the surface texture of the piece and, more recently, I have been using words/poems within the work. I like to create pieces that become

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Artist Statement

Concepts As a public artist my work responds to the site and the brief, whether making bollards or large one-off sculptures. The way the site is used by the public is important. There are certain constants within my work, the use of light on and through the piece, the surface texture of the piece and, more recently, I have been using words/poems within the work. I like to create pieces that become the mythology of the future. I feel I am a child in a sweet shop; creativity means we can make or do anything. I love the diversity of dabbling, in sound, using lenses, using computers as well as the playfulness of sculpture - this all keeps the public art work alive.Influences Ancient cultures/myths, Environment/Ecology, Modern technologyCareer path I left college in 1980 and have been working as a public artist since 1986 doing commissions and residencies throughout Britain. I have major works in Cambridge, LLanelli, Cardiff, Buckfastleigh, Exmouth, Weston-super-Mare, Brecon, Poole, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, sculpture trails. Exhibited widely, lectured and given workshops. My work started in the woods, ephemerally and has moved into the streetscape with a similar touch.

CV & Education

Solo exhibitions 2001 - Greenham Common, sound and camera obscura installation 2001 - YOTA Hestercombe Gardens, sound installation 2001 - YOTA, Bus Stop Gallery, sound installation with John Nuttgens 1994 - Hans Price Gallery, Weston-Super-Mare 1993 - Cywaith Cymru Artwork, Wales, Cardiff 1993 - 'Shadow Screen', Cardiff Bay Arts Trust 1991 - 'Charred Icons', St. Davids Hall, Cardiff 1988 - Gardeners Art Centre, Sussex University, Brighton Group exhibitions 2002 - Daisi Hota, touring show, Hannah Pescher Gallery, annual 1994 - 'Into the Elements', Aberystwyth and Touring 1993 - 6" x 6" , Touring 1993 - 'Alchemica' Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno, North Wales 1993 - Royal West of England Open, Bristol 1993 - 'The Welsh', Margam Sculpture Park, South Wales 1992 - National Eisteddfod of Wales 1992 - New Art at the Old Library, Cardiff 1992 - West Wharf Gallery, Christmas Show, Cardiff 1990 - Pennsylvania Academey of the Fine Art, USA 1989 - Newbury Spring Festival, Newbury Public commissions 2005 - Lead artist, Tintagel