Painting by Martain Vernon
The story behind Caroline's Metal Work
I love the collaborative process of listening to people’s ideas and exploring the stories, memories and details that hold meaning for them. Drawing inspiration from the character of a place, the essence of loved ones, animals, personal philosophies and everyday life, I create metalwork that reflects something of the people and places it belongs to. My practice is also deeply inspired by the natural world, from local birds and fynbos to the intricate beauty of underwater kelp forests.
"I was Born in Northern Ireland, I moved to S Africa when I was 14. I studied fine art at UCT, where I developed a passion for visual theatre. Returning to the U.K. in the 80s I started designing and performing Theatre shows and in 1991 I set up Moving Hands Theatre, a visual theatre company that combined all forms of visual storytelling including puppetry, dance, video projection, animation and music. Later I was joined by Tori Cannel and Alison Scott. Supported by the British Arts Council and The Birmingham Repertory Theatre we embarked on exciting collaborations with South African groups, co-producing visually stunning theatre productions touring them internationally whilst we worked closely with award-winning South African performers and artists to facilitate cultural exchange projects between communities in South Africa and the UK. The journey into Metalwork in Pringle Bay was in response to regular baboon encounters making it necessary to keep all doors and windows locked or barred. Now my gates can be found in private homes and business all over the Overberg and world wide. Each gate tells a personal story. I love the collaborative element of the creative journey, drawing out each person’s vision and transforming it into functional, steel-art creations. I have also developed a range of gates that reflect local nature, birds and fynbos which can be adapted to suit a client’s particular space. My creative offerings have expanded with client’s requests for bespoke works, tables, sun dials, light boxes, wall art and more. I love the challenge of transforming people’s dream vision into a reality whilst working with local artisans who help with the mechanics and fabrication. I work with clients in a detailed process, (in person or online) in developing their own unique creations which speak to them, creating something meaningful and often deeply personal. It takes me into unexpected and very interesting directions from Amazonian tapestries, to ancient bonsais tree collections to Polynesian inspired designs and beyond. Artistically I’m still interested in mixing it up, collaborating with different artists, and using a wide range of materials. I do a lot of up -cycle projects using plastics and beach junk and recently I've discovered ceramic sculpture.
