Mike Savage
Mike Savage studied silversmithing at Camberwell School of
Art and developed his sculptural work at the Royal College of
Art in the late 1980’s. The work is a response to the complex
shapes and structures of organic segmentation in plants and
their seeds. The intrigue of the natural form is developed and
informed by an interest in industrial and engineered objects.
This is apparent in the seamed segments of cut and beaten
sheet metal, where the weld lines construct and describe the
form. The work and processes exploit the malleable qualities
of copper and aluminium. The hammering and the conducted
heat of the welding creates a patina of colour and texture to
the metal, this is sometimes enhanced by chemical patination,
wax is applied to protect and enrich the surface.
The work inhabits space in gardens and courtyards or
flourishes in the interior, a bridge between the elements
from which they appear to have fallen.