nikki taylor
Mediums Used
Nikki Taylors`s passion is for the human form and its extraordinary ability to convey the intangible qualities of energy and emotion through tangible flesh. Schooled in classic figure sculpture in clay for casting, which she still uses for bronze portrait commissions, the majority of her work now is in woven wire mesh.
Her mesh sculptures range from torsos in relief in various sizes for indoors, to life-size full length figures in the round, designed to live amongst us, indoors or out.
Each of Nikki`s mesh sculptures is a unique piece, created freehand. She uses mesh in a variety of different metals and finishes.
My discovery of wire mesh some three years ago was a result of two lines of research – both to find a medium to give me the freedom to sculpt direct with spontaneity and immediacy and most importantly to transcend the solidity of conventional sculpture materials.
Wire mesh allows allows energy and elements to flow freely between the figure`s inner space and the surrounding ether. For me, the industrial strength but ethereal beauty of wire mesh is the perfect metaphor for the duality of our bodies – the ability of apparently solid form to express so much of the self that is intangible.
Sculptures by nikki taylor
Credentials
Qualifications
I have been a driven maker since childhood, and succumbed to sculpture full time in 1999, after fulfilling careers in advertising and design, combined with family life. I did my foundation at Reigate School of Art, followed by a BA (Hons) at Wimbledon, graduating in 2003.
I studied under Allan Sly, one of the country`s foremost figurative sculptors, specialising in life sculpture, working from the nude - male and female. I learned the classical aesthetic and technical skills as summarised by Edouard Lanteri, mentor and intimate friend of Rodin, in contemporary form.
I combined this with study of mechanical and kinetic art pursuing themes of energy and movement, human and elemental, and the relationship between them. Both lines of study continue to underpin my work.
2003 BA (Hons) Wimbledon School of Art
2000 BTEC Reigate School of Art
1975 BA Gen. Arts (French and Sociology) Manchester University,I have been a driven maker since childhood, and succumbed to sculpture full time in 1999, after fulfilling careers in advertising and design, combined with family life. I did my foundation at Reigate School of Art, followed by a BA (Hons) at Wimbledon, graduating in 2003.I studied under Allan Sly, one of the country`s foremost figurative sculptors, specialising in life sculpture, working from the nude - male and female. I learned the classical aesthetic and technical skills as summarised by Edouard Lanteri, mentor and intimate friend of Rodin, in contemporary form.
I combined this with study of mechanical and kinetic art pursuing themes of energy and movement, human and elemental, and the relationship between them. Both lines of study continue to underpin my work.
2003 BA (Hons) Wimbledon School of Art
2000 BTEC Reigate School of Art
1975 BA Gen. Arts (French and Sociology) Manchester UniversityExhibitions
yes
Awards
Publications
2011 (First issue of New Italian culture magazine) April issue, p 30, photo of FREE 2.
2011 BBC1 `Waking the Dead`, 20 March, series 9, `Care` Part 1, inclusion of FLIGHT in set.
2010 Chelsea Flower Show programme, photo of THE GUARDIAN from previous year.
May 2010, Channel 4, The Landscape Man, 3rd episode, ‘Chevington’ my sculpture shown at Chelsea Flower Show then re-positioned in the final garden.
May 2009, BBC2 Chelsea Flower Show. Inclusion of my ‘Guardian’ sculpture in Thomas Hoblyn’s competition garden.
Dec 29 2003 Radio 4, Woman’s Hour. Interview as part of Cabaret Mechanical Festival feature.,2011 (First issue of New Italian culture magazine) April issue, p 30, photo of FREE 2.
2011 BBC1 `Waking the Dead`, 20 March, series 9, `Care` Part 1, inclusion of FLIGHT in set.
2010 Chelsea Flower Show programme, photo of THE GUARDIAN from previous year.
May 2010, Channel 4, The Landscape Man, 3rd episode, ‘Chevington’ my sculpture shown at Chelsea Flower Show then re-positioned in the final garden.
May 2009, BBC2 Chelsea Flower Show. Inclusion of my ‘Guardian’ sculpture in Thomas Hoblyn’s competition garden.
Dec 29 2003 Radio 4, Woman’s Hour. Interview as part of Cabaret Mechanical Festival feature.
Since the beginning of her studies at Wimbledon School of Art under Allan Sly, Nikki Taylor has pursued the themes of the human form and its interactive energies - with the elements and with other individuals.
This journey has taken her through automata, portraiture and now to metal mesh.
Additional Experience:
2005-2007 Annual participation in Surrey Open Studio scheme
2005 Private head sculpting course at my studio
2006-2007 Sculpture tutor part-time, Bletchingley Centre, East Surrey College
2005-2007 Committee member of Surrey Sculpture Soc, now member only
1975-1999 10 year career in advertising followed by family life and self employment in interior design.
Featured in media as follows:
December 2003 - Radio 4, Woman`s Hour
April 2006 - ITV 6 O`clock News
May 2009 -BBC2 The Chelsea Flower Show
