Stephen Williams

Tension and the balance of contrasting shapes play a major role in my sculptures. I explore the aesthetic beauty of forms found in biology and the human body, juxtaposing them with designs drawn from manufactured products. In doing so, I strive to disrupt the symmetry and predictability of these forms while preserving the integrity of each sculpture.

Originally from England, I emigrated to New Zealand in 1989, where I began studying bronze sculpture. After exhibiting in New Zealand, I returned to England in 1993 for a limited period to pursue my ambition of creating abstract bronze sculptures and to continue my other passion, creative writing. During my time in England, I held several exhibitions and earned a Master of Arts from Cardiff University.

I returned to New Zealand in 2002, and in 2006 I had my first sculpture cast in glass. It was not until 2017 that I was able to purchase a kiln and begin casting my own work. In addition to working in bronze and cast glass, I have explored ways of producing more affordable sculptures, including pieces made from moulded polyethylene and lit internally with LED lighting.

Selected for Artbourne 2024 exhibition, NZ
Mitchell Studios, Wellington, NZ
Selected for NZ Parliament Visitor Centre & Te Papakura Gallery in the Beehive
CoLab Members Exhibition, Whanganui, NZ - Joint conference by NZSAG (New Zealand Society of Artists in Glass) and AUSGLASS (The Australian Association of Glass Artists)
Selected for joint CGS (Contemporary Glass Society UK) and NZSAG juried online exhibition
Selected for Artbourne 2018 and 2022 exhibitions, NZ
Gallery De Novo, Dunedin, NZ
Art for Offices (International Art Consultants), London, UK
Broomhill Sculpture Garden Art Gallery, Barnstaple, UK
Art Garden, Bristol, UK
Inde Gallery, Nottingham, UK
Drury Lane Gallery, London, UK
Blackheath Gallery, London, UK
Ginger Gallery, Bristol, UK
Blackheath Gallery, London, UK
Centaur Gallery, London, UK
Masters Fine Art Gallery, Bath, UK
Holland Gallery, London, UK
Gallery Kaleidoscope, London, UK
The Gallery Downstairs, Burnley, UK
Tib Lane Gallery, Manchester, UK
New Zealand Academy for Fine Arts, International Festival of the Arts
Merilyn Savill Gallery, Wellington, NZ (exhibition with painter Melvin Day who was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Art)