Nina Roffey
Nina Roffey’s wood and mixed media sculptures represent the ultimate in recycling; found and scavenged objects, discarded by nature and society, are reassembled into meaningful, original artworks.
The idea behind some pieces of wood may take many years to develop while others, such as Hawkspires Grail, demand spontaneous creation.
Artist's statement
I like to work in themes and at present am working on found wood. I use my images generally as a metaphor for human situations and emotions, or as a response to what I see and feel.
Memories play an important part, as does poetry, which I frequently write as I work on a piece.
About 30 years ago I found a piece of wood, roughly the shape of a human skull, which I used as a doorstep as it waited for me to think of a way to transform it into something else. In 2009 I was asked to write site-specific poetry for the Sutton Hoo Poetry Festival and on seeing the treasure found there, I knew what to do with the doorstep. The head is my treasure from the mounds. With my recent work I use history, architecture, myths and legends as a stimulus, as well as place and other artists that I admire. The work thus ends up as a tribute piece or my own treasure, as in Hawkspires Grail.
I do research, based on each piece, and as I work, I write a small book. The book is in the form of a diary with research, thoughts and poems connected to the work. The book stays with the piece.
Real treasure is priceless, but mine is made from natural materials as well as recycled jewellery, watches and belts that have been discarded by others and which I find in jumble sales, car boot sales and charity shops. I am enthusiastic about environmental issues, so it provides me with a source of pleasure when I am able to recycle, even in my art work. The piece of wood used for Hawkspire’s Grail was found in a wood and reminded me of a Spanish ruin that had a family of lesser kestrels flying round the crumbling towers – hence the title.
Initially I wanted to replicate the ruin and keep it somehow connected to Spain, but as it transformed itself, it became a chalice, the Grail. I am a fan of Arthurian legend and the metaphor the Grail has for the human search for something beyond reach, intrigues me.
I wanted to create something beautiful, but not beyond reach.
I found the stand for Hawkspires Grail while clearing my mother’s house. It was the base of the lamp that I had in my bedroom for many years. I love it when there are connections like that. Using my own broken jewellery, or presents of unwanted stuff from others, is also a thrill.
I have what I call a driftwood graveyard. Sometimes the wood tells me immediately what is to be done with it and with others it may take years. The wood is dried naturally and slowly and is then treated for insects and rot. Loose pieces are discarded or removed and reattached with glue. Sometimes I carve into the wood. I have to conduct lots of tests to find the right types of glues, polishes and paints, tools and materials for the piece. Then I have to design a stand, get it made and finish it, once the piece is fixed. Finally, I cut my name from old store and bank cards and use them to sign each piece. I really enjoy the deconstruction of found items into something which, when reassembled, is brand new.
