Sliced Fruit Bench
Location: Melplash, Dorset
Date built: 2002-2003
Size: 2.3m x 1.3m x 1.4m
Material: Brick
Cost: £5500

This sculpture was initially discussed with the commissioners in February 2000. They asked for a garden seat with a back that was ceramic. I came up with a number of designs and made contact with Coleford Brick Company in the Forest of Dean who positively support sculptural brick projects. This design was approved with the idea of the two slices taken out of the brick fruit, leaving a fault section suitable for sitting on with a slightly curved back. The slices would lie on the ground in front and would also serve as places to perch or as points to put ones feet up on. It was to be glazed which would seal the form and also present a contrast between the skin and fruit and its inner raw brick texture. A rich blue green colour was chosen to contrat the deep red of the fired clay.

I worked in close consulation with Coleford Brick and the commissioners with the help of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff who lent me the space to work during the summer 2002.