Michael Fairfax
Concepts As a public artist my work responds to the site and the brief, whether making bollards or large one-off sculptures. The way the site is used by the public is important. There are certain constants within my work, the use of light on and through the piece, the surface texture of the piece and, more recently, I have been using words/poems within the work. I like to create pieces that become the mythology of the future. I feel I am a child in a sweet shop; creativity means we can make or do anything. I love the diversity of dabbling, in sound, using lenses, using computers as well as the playfulness of sculpture - this all keeps the public art work alive.Influences Ancient cultures/myths, Environment/Ecology, Modern technologyCareer path I left college in 1980 and have been working as a public artist since 1986 doing commissions and residencies throughout Britain. I have major works in Cambridge, LLanelli, Cardiff, Buckfastleigh, Exmouth, Weston-super-Mare, Brecon, Poole, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, sculpture trails. Exhibited widely, lectured and given workshops. My work started in the woods, ephemerally and has moved into the streetscape with a similar touch.