William Ashley-Norman
Mediums Used
William Ashley-Norman, a talented artist, has been working with chicken wire for over thirty years. What began as a chance encounter has evolved into a lifelong passion for creating an extensive menagerie of animals, figures, portraits, and the occasional oddity. William’s single-sheet relief figures are truly unique. Each piece is meticulously crafted by hand, with the slow manipulation of the wire to create a fluid and graceful form. As the wire is gradually shaped, the subject emerges, taking on a delicate and ethereal quality. The absence of strong join lines results in a more refined and serene sculpture.
William’s wire coil sculptures are equally impressive. Constructed from three different gauges of wire, the skeleton is made from 3mm wire, the muscles from 1.6mm wire, and the skin from 0.8mm wire. The resulting texture is both tactile and visually appealing, with the sculptures designed to emphasise the movement of the forms. Ashley-Norman’s mastery of chicken wire as a medium is evident in the intricacy and beauty of his creations.
William’s work is rare and highly sought after due to his deep passion for the ChickenWired sculpture craft, which he has honed over the last twelve years. In addition to creating stunning pieces of art, William has been sharing his expertise by conducting sculpture workshops in schools throughout the UK. By teaching thousands of school pupils, he has not only passed on his skill but also inspired a new generation of wire sculptors.
Sculptures by William Ashley-Norman
Credentials
Exhibitions
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William Ashley-Norman has been perfecting his chicken wire sculpture technique for over thirty years, ever since he created a dragon when asked to clear some discarded wire fencing at his father's request.
Since then, he has continued to push the boundaries of his chosen medium, producing an impressive body of work.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, William is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skill with others. He visits schools throughout the country, conducting sculpture workshops based on his chicken wire work. Since 2012, he has taught over 40,000 pupils in hundreds of schools. William has also created a sculpture kit and a book of templates, further expanding his reach and inspiring a new generation of wire sculptors.
