Approved: 28.10.2016

Stephen Towns

Artist, Consultant, Curator, Project manager

Approved: 28.10.2016

~~I see the process of making work as a mediating one through which I am able to explore a personal investigation of the world, with particular focus on the structural processes of growth.  Concepts from mathematics and the biological sciences inform my practice, which is all based upon the creation of biomorphic objects.
Earlier work employed a systematic methodology in which simple mathematical

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News

     

    Thoughts

       

      Artist Statement

      ~~I see the process of making work as a mediating one through which I am able to explore a personal investigation of the world, with particular focus on the structural processes of growth.  Concepts from mathematics and the biological sciences inform my practice, which is all based upon the creation of biomorphic objects.
      Earlier work employed a systematic methodology in which simple mathematical sequences involving chance are applied to the transformation of an element e.g. a line or shape that are splined to create forms.  Recent work takes as a starting point selected found objects that are altered through topological changes e.g. attenuation, invagination etc. to create new forms that have both biomorphic and designed aspects simultaneously.  These sculptures are not mimetic but associative of a multiplicity of natural forms.  The making process itself has ritualistic qualities that are reflected in their visual identity. 

      CV & Education

      ~~STEPHEN TOWNS

      [email protected]
         
                                        

       Mobile: 07876568303
                   

      EDUCATION


      1981-1983 M.F.A., Reading University (Sculpture)


       


      EMPLOYMENT- COMMISSIONS & CONSULTANCY WORK

      I work as a full time artist, I exhibit work, I create/curate exhibitions for Hampshire Sculpture Trust

      2011-2016 Site specific project curator, University for the Creative Arts Farnham (see below)
      2011-2016 Arts Consultant, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust/King’s Fund and Department of Health “Enhancing the Healing Environment” programme.  Garden Project for patients at the end of life. The project won a prestigious BBH Award in the category Best External Space
      2009-2012  Wiltshire College, B.A. Fine Art, p/t lecturer
      1997-2008  Basingstoke College of Technology, p/t lecturer/course leader in Foundation and Art   & Design Access courses respectively

      I have work in private collections in the U.K. Ireland and U.S.A.

       

      RECENT & PENDING EXHIBITIONS

      2019            "Deconstruction" Mixed sculpture exhibition, Allen Gallery, Alton

      2018            “Transform” Hampshire Cultural Trust Creative Genuis project
                          An exhibition of sculpture inspired by artifacts held in the collection of HCT.
                          The Westbury museum Gallery, Fareham
      2017            “Drawing” The Gallery, Dalkey, Ireland. 
      2016            “Materials Matter” Bracknell Gallery, South Hill Park Arts Centre. 
      2014            “Compressed Space” Link Gallery, University of Winchester.  
                          A group show of Hampshire Sculpture Trust members work
      2014            Art in the Garden, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens mixed exhibition June-Nov                    
      2014           Solo Exhibition, Link Gallery, University of Winchester Jan – Feb.
                         “Sculpture, Transformations & Equivalents”
      2013           Art in the Gardens, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.  Group show, June – Oct
      2013           The Searchers Contemporary Gallery, Bristol.  2 person show of sculpture, entitled
                         “The Autonomous Object”
      2012           “Drawing Towards Sculpture”, THE SHOP, Basingstoke.
      2010            “Heft” Group exhibition Winchester Gallery


      CURATING

      2019           "Deconstruction*  Mixed Sculpture exhibition, Allen Gallery, Alton

      2018           "Transform"  Westbury Manor Gallery, Fareham.  A sculpture exhibition                     in collaboration with Hampshire Cultural Trust and Hampshire Sculpture Trust

      2016            Materials Matter” at the Bracknell Gallery, South Hill Park Arts Centre.  HST
      2011-16      Time Garden Project, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust.  Site specific project                        working with B.A. Fine Art students from University for the Creative Arts, Farnham
      2014           “Compressed Space”.  Link Gallery, University of Winchester,                                                I conceived and curated this group exhibition  for Hampshire Sculpture Trust.
      2012           “Drawing Towards Sculpture”. "The Shop".  

                         


        


      COMMISSIONS

      2011-12 Brookvale Community Association. Site specific sculptural interpretation structure
      2006  Interior Design projects in Ireland, and Bristol, incorporating commissioned drawings
                Basingstoke & Deane, Restoration of Regency Gate, Walled Garden
      2005  Basingstoke & Deane Commission for Walled Garden
      2002  Basingstoke Heritage Society, Site Specific Interpretation Structure 
      2000  Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, Walled Garden Sculptural Signs


      MEMBERSHIP

      2010-16 Executive Member, Hampshire Sculpture Trust.  Organising and curating exhibitions


      PUBLICATIONS/RESEARCH

      Currently I am working on a research project exploring the decision making process in Fine Art practice.
      2011/2016    Time Garden Artworks  2016 pending.  Published books documenting project
      1979  “Sol Le Witt, A System’s Aesthetic, Thesis published by Exeter College of Art