Claire Manners Wood London, United Kingdom

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I transform daily life experiences and dreams into meaningful textile sculptures by combining architecture and tailoring with individual vibrancy inspired by colour, pattern and texture – creating vivid reflections on moments of joy and gravitas.

Most of my sculptures are inspired by emotions or a visual stimulus of some kind. Mostly I can visualise roughly how I want the final sculpture to look. However, once I have started working with both the aluminium and the fabrics I will adjust and make changes to the details.

Starting with shaping aluminium rods into a unique shape, they are nailed to a wooden base and plastered. A variety of sewing techniques are used to create volume, texture and tone in fabric, which is attached to the armature. Working with donated and recycled fabrics brings welcome emotional connections. I often employ playful elements.

When undertaking a commission, I work hard to understand the emotional connections of the subject to the brief.