Walking daily through the landscapes around the studios gives a constant focus for what I am trying to make. My sculptures have a quiet English based quality of man and nature in the way that we hear countryside through Britton or Vaughan Williams.
"We have always been conscious of the changeable climate of our sea-washed country, where the air is never quite free from the mist, where the light of the sun is more often pale and pearly than it is fierce. This atmosphere has sunk in to our souls. It affects our art as it effects our life. But it has not resulted in congenital softness of vision" - John Piper
It is the business of observing acutely and recording - of searching for the line and shape and images. You have to make art from what you know about - a celebration of locality
The sharp and chiselled mark making with subtle sgraffito scratching of modelling in plaster translates so well in surface quality of the bronze with chalky grey patinas.
Elaine and I have been working together making for over 30 years
- Christopher Marvell
Capturing his patient observations of the natural world, Marvell's works eliminates extraneous detail, whilst retaining familiar characteristics. His whimsical animals, birds, and figures are scaled for interiors and contemplative garden spaces.
Marvell's craftsmanship renders the weight of bronze as light, contemporary and tactile, washed in warm opaque rose-beige or misted-grey patinas.
Soft silhouettes define the gentle curves of these minimalist sculptures, encouraging the gaze to travel across delicate surface indentations. Scratched and pitted as features, feathers and fur, the fine serrations maintain the simplicity of presentation.
Collectively, Marvell's sculptures convey a sense of fanciful and playful intent.
- Melanie Veasey
Exhibitions
2020
Bircham Gallery, Market Place, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6BW
2019
Portland Gallery, 3 Bennet Street, London SW1A 1RP