Martin Debenham is a self-taught artist who has been making stainless steel wire sculptures for some years. British contemporary sculptor Martin Debenham creates stainless steel wire sculptures inspired by fantasy and nature. Working with a malleable material that has endless potential, the self-taught artist’s growing collection of wire art features impressive structures rendered from intricate twists, bends, and expert welding.
Appearing as though they’re three-dimensional line drawings, most of Debenham’s metal masterpieces are made for outdoor display. When placed into natural environments, they seem to evoke mythical narratives as they glimmer in the sunlight. For example, in one piece, a wire-sculpted mermaid sits on a rock by a lily pond, positioned as though she’s contemplating going for a swim. Each strand of wire is sculpted into curves that follow the form of the female body, then flow into a long mermaid tail.
In another, featuring hundreds of wire looped feathers and silvery talons, a Golden Eagle appears to have been frozen in time while soaring through a garden. This “hovering” illusion was cleverly created by supporting the 22 lb (10 Kg) sculpture by two transparent plinths. Other sculptures include “improvisation” pieces that have spontaneously evolved into figurative and abstract forms. Mounted on wooden bases, these expressive forms showcase the artist’s boundless imagination.
You can find more of Debenham’s sculptures via his Art Parks profile.
British contemporary sculptor Martin Debenham creates stainless steel wire sculptures inspired by fantasy and nature.
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
When each piece of wire art is placed into a natural environment, they not only glimmer in the sunlight but evoke mythical narratives.
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
“To get control over the shape I use the same basic method as normal clay modeling; model the visible silhouette as accurately as possible and then rotate the piece a bit and repeat,” says the artist. Martin says building the sculptures is surprisingly easy but it can take ‘absolutely ages’.
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Other sculptures include “improvisation” pieces that have spontaneously evolved into figurative and abstract forms.
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Photo: Mark Horton Photography
Martin Debenham: Website | Art Parks profile | Artist’s Work
