About
Welcome to Enmeshed in Wire, my name is Richard Holwill and I am a sculptor, resident in Burnie, Tasmania, working in galvanised welded wire mesh. My work is predominantly figurative, exploring the myriad range of human activity across all aspects of life. I try to bring a sense of dynamism and fluidity to my wire mesh sculptures, juxtaposing the rigidity of the medium from which they were created. My sculptures, whilst structurally sound, are only a single layer thick, giving the works an ephemeral, transparent quality. This shadow feel is most evident at night under lights, as the sculptures project themselves onto their surroundings, creating another entirely different art work. My works are mounted, mostly on Tasmanian timbers like Huon Pine, Macrocarpa, Tas Oak and Blackwood . I also use hard cover books and an eclectic mix of antique pieces of wood and furniture sourced from old factories, bric-a-brac shops and back-yard sheds. Although many pieces are delicate in composition, they all have a certain industrial feel to them ........not unexpected given Burnie's heritage !
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Science Award
Process
All my wire mesh sculptures are made using small pieces of mesh joined together by twisting the ends with a pair of long-nosed pliers; there is no welding, soldering or gluing used . Pieces that require a frame, like the motorcycles, are made using fencing wire that is hand-wrapped to create joints and structural integrity. I always begin at the feet and work towards the head, bending and shaping by hand. When I am happy with the final pose the figures are mounted on their bases using button-head screws.