Short Summary

I am an experimental sculptor asking questions about our environment and revealing the beauty of natural phenomena through my work. I blend art and science to create unique multi-media works and I have been awarded a year-long artist's residency in Iceland to explore the landscape and to make new work.The research trip of a lifetime.

During my artistic expedition I will be researching the fluid dynamics of lava flows, the cracking and popping of glaciers and turning the spectacular Aurora Borealis into sound.

Above: a selection of some of the macro photography c-type ice prints available. Take a look at the gallery for the prints on offer: ice prints

My work focuses on patterns in nature and natural processes, challenging the way we look at materials and the world around us. As team leader, I'm going to be exploring natural processes in geology, which will be feeding into my recent 'experiments' exploring magnetism, fluid dynamics, harmony and sound waves. Through scientific experimentation both out in the field and in my ‘lab’ I will reveal the processes of natural phenomena using light, sound and movement.

Above: One of my experiments exploring magnetism.

I studied at Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design and Camberwell College of Art, graduating with a ceramics degree in 2003. I have worked on some wildly varying projects, from making dresses out of bread for Jean Paul Gaultier to sculptural commissions for Radiohead to architectural model-making for Norman Foster and directing large-scale video projections for Gwyneth Herbert's Sea Cabinet. It is safe to say that I enjoy exploring new materials and approaches.

I collaborate with specialists from all walks of life, from tailors and architects to musicians and theoretical physicists.

Above: This is a test for a kinetic sculpture which will be made from porcelain and magnets.

I regularly respond to a site as a starting point for my sculpture and there couldn't be an environment more suited to my work.

Having a full year to dedicate to focused research, experimentation and making will not only take my practice to the next level and provide an explosion of ideas but it will also give me the chance to share with you the awe-inspiring processes and phenomena of the natural world. I look forward to sharing my findings with you.

What I Need & What You Get

I have most of the basics of the expedition sorted but need your support to be able to buy the necessary materials and equipment to do my observational skills justice and take my 'lab' into the field. A scientist and intrepid explorer is nothing without the tools of their trade to prove their theories.

I will be exploring light, sound and movement in the natural world which will require things such as prisms, motors, mirrors, light sensors and of course some recording equipment (both audio and visual). I work in both digital and more traditional media so things such as photographic paper (for pinhole photography) also need accounting for.

Above - The beautiful refractory patterns coming from the solid crystal, commemorative, Fire and Ice Expedition 'Ice Cube' which can be yours when you become my Quarter Master.

All my work has been leading up to this artistic expedition so it seems fitting that I should offer some of my research in exchange for your support. So for instance, I offer you a signed limited edition print of one of my 'magnetic' drawings in exchange for the pledge of £45 and the privileged title of 'Lava Dodger'. If you just can't settle for anything less than an original drawing then a £200 pledge will get that in the bag as my 'Nordic Navigator'.

Above - Work in progress of one of the large scale 'Magnetic Landscape' drawings on offer when you sign up for the 'Prince of Whales' perk.

Take a look at the drawings available on either the gallery section of the campaign or on my flickr page here. Drawings on flickr New drawings are being added regularly so do keep your eyes peeled and when making a pledge make sure to specify the drawing you're after.

Metal incarnation of one of my drawings from the 'magnetic' series, yours when you sign up to be my 'Top Geyser'.

Magnetic Drawings

Become a 'Quarter Master' and carry out your own experiments on light as we do in the field. A crystal 'Ice Cube' is yours for the taking...

I also have limited edition porcelain and glass 'Ice Cubes', black and white C-type ice photography, studio visits and sacred geometry lessons, not forgetting abook of drawings to peruse at your leisure.

C-type 'Ice' print.

Limited Edition Porcelain and Glass 'Ice Cube'

There are perks for everyone, from a postcard or Polaroid thank you, all the way up to a unique sculpture depicting the atomic structure of ice using porcelain and glass.

'Ice' sculpture depicting the atomic structure of ice in porcelain and glass.

The initial three months of my time in Iceland will be focused on exploring the landscape and researching possible sculptures, installations and artworks. So even if I'm unable to raise all of the funds necessary to execute all of the expansive ideas I have bubbling away, the money raised will at least help me to get to the stage of having the initial research to allow me to put together more detailed proposals and funding applications to organisations, institutions, galleries and funding bodies. This is the first step towards increasing the sustainability of my practice, allowing it to grow.

The Impact

Your contribution to my expedition will allow me to share the awe inspiring natural phenomena the world has to offer. My practice blends art and science and it is my intention to make scientific notions more accessible to the general public. I will be collaborating with specialists in their field and through workshops, exhibitions and events I will not only teach but inspire people to ask questions, explore and encourage cross disciplinary collaboration.

Above: Visuals from Gwyneth Herbert's Sea Cabinet

In a recent project I made the move into time based, interactive work as a result of working with singer, composer, writer and producer Gwyneth Herbert. This irrevocably developed my work in ways I could never have imagined. It is this search into the unknown which I not only find spectacularly exciting but essential for progress in both art and science.

Other Ways That You Can Help

If you aren't able to make a donation never fear, you can still help. I ask you to share this project with as many people as possible. The more people who join the expedition the more discoveries we can make together. So please use the indiegogo share tools so we can make this expedition one to be proud of.