Melanie Guy

Statement

 “My influences are from all things natural and with the Zen-like philosophy that ‘less is more’ I shed extraneous material to express the essence of Nature’s energy and refine interpretations of my experiences and emotions using pewter metal as my chosen medium.

I lived on the sea for some years and the elements and the environment, its moods and contrasts, are interpreted in abstract work where light animates the sensuous, undulating forms and the mark-making. When passing by, light appears on the surface but is gone the next. It is ethereal and resembles transient and delicate qualities in the balance of the natural world. 

The metal is to some degree reflective and can be seen as a metaphor for self examination – our own image seen against that of nature, her essence portrayed by the simple lines and forms. We are natural products and yet like the light, our empathy with Nature as a vulnerable entity waxes and wanes – a post industrial whim or a dangerous fact? In making a primal scream on nature's behalf, my work is replete with feeling, hoping it will kindle awareness of our ruthless treatment and devaluation. Our continued disregard is having unimagined consequences.

In this mode I use a universal language which is devoid of cultural reference. I hope to stimulate empathy with Nature’s fight and promote a review of her beautiful 'essence' of form; all this, in celebration of her amazing ability to regenerate and her pure creative energy."