David Sprakes RBA | Royal Society of British Artists

Discovered Form

Bronze
Spheres and Rhythms

Bronze and copper coated steel
Ascending Rhythm

Bronze

About David Sprakes RBA

Artist details wrap

Biography

Artist's Statement

The tactile sensory qualities of objects and environments, both man-made and natural are a constant source of inspiration to me. Form, space, surface, rhythm, texture and the shape and the feel of things play a central role in the development and construction of my work.

My analytical and experimental approach to sculpture aims to open up new ways of seeing and relating to three-dimensional form for the spectator.

The themes that recur are abstraction, eroded, weathered, unearthed forms and structures found and seen in the fabricated and natural world.

An underpinning concept is truth to materials, allowing their visual and tactile qualities to become a key message of my sculpture.

Method of Working

The sculpture evolves through enquiry, investigation and exploration. Drawing, maquette studies, clay modelling, mould-making, casting, construction and carving illustrate the breadth of techniques involved in my work.

Biographical Details

Qualifications.

Foundation Studies. Doncaster College of Art.

DipAD Hons. First Class Honours in Sculpture. Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic.

ATD Distinction. Post Graduate Studies in Art Education. Liverpool Polytechnic.

MAFA. Elected member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art.

RBA. Elected member of the Royal Society of British Artists.

Employment.

1974-1984 Lecturer in Sculpture. Wirral College of Art.

1985-2010 Head of Art. Trent College. Nottingham.

Society Memberships

Royal Society of British Artists

Exhibitions

Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition 2019

Other exhibitions

2018. Solo Exhibition. ‘Rhythms in Sculpture’. Treasure House and Beverley Art Gallery. East Yorkshire. 5th May-30th June. 40 sculptures with research and drawings.

2018. RBA Annual Exhibition. Mall Galleries. London.

2017. Dovecote Gallery. Nottingham.

2017. Tarpey Gallery. Leics.

2017. Michael Heseltine Gallery. Northants.

2017. Le Blanc Fine Art. Melton Mowbray.

2017. Cheeseburn Sculpture Park. Newcastle Upon Tyne.

2017. Station Gallery. Richmond. North Yorkshire.

2017. Sculpture at Mark’s Hall Estate. Colchester. Essex.

2017. Marlow Gallery. Melbourne. Derbyshire.

2017. RBA 300th Annual Exhibition. Mall Galleries. London.

2017. Stockport Art Gallery. MAFA Exhibition.