Ian V Curtis

A conceptual Sculptor.
I wanted to develop a novel way to shape my abstract works with water pressure, which is technically challenging - but not impossible!!

My desire is to accurately control the final shape of my sculptures and my intention is to create organic flowing shapes within the metaphor of pressure/change and human adaptation..

I designed and fabricated the reaction vessel and lifting equipment for the lid as (it) alone weighs over one hundred pounds. I used my engineering skills to acquire all the other hydraulic equipment I needed to be able to effectively and repeatedly crush my works.

When using liquid pressure I bend the skins, and design internal supports to resist in places I choose, Sometimes I choose to document the internal volume that is displaced during the process.

Nothing seems to be easy with the process, As I cannot see what is going on inside the vessel during the implosion process. therefore I have to judge the change by the amount of water displaced, and the noise coming from inside along with the pressure reading on the gauge if it is holding steady I know it is changing, if it goes up I know there is little or no crushing going on...and if the pressure drops away I know I have torn t...

Thanet college of Technology - Mechanical engineering.
Canterbury college of Technology - Welding fabrication.
Marine Engineering Apprenticeship.

South Florida Tri County Biennial Exhibitor (2013)