Pamina Stewart
I combine traditional sculptural techniques with crafting, sewing, painting and printing. This versatility forms the foundation of my artistic process. I utilise a range of materials, including discarded and broken modern items like obsolete technology and food packaging, as well as renewable resources like bamboo and willow. Working with these diverse mediums presents challenges that inspire me to develop innovative techniques.In a recent project, I collaborated with a vacuum repair shop to create two animatronic birds from old vacuum cleaners. These birds are now on permanent display in the shop window. The vacuum cleaners' vibrant colours and unique shapes were particularly fascinating, and assembling and connecting the various pieces posed an interesting challenge. Birds have been a recurring theme in my work as they are the most prolific wild creatures I see on my morning walks and due to their abundance in nature and the diversity they offer in terms of personalities and traits. While many of my creatures are fantastical, they are rooted in real animals.I am currently repurposing beautiful handcrafted pieces from a violin repair shop for my new work. It brings me great joy to transform objects with embedded histories and stories through handcraft or industrial processes, creating new valuable treasures. The suppliers of these materials are delighted that they can be given a new purpose.Currently, I have a display of birds made from food packaging at 'Climate Matters' in 'The Bridge Gallery' in Tynemouth. These works showcase overlooked materials in an avant-garde manner. The pieces were designed for ease of transport, allowing me to carry them on the train and subsequently assemble them on-site at the gallery. Thus, I consider sustainability across the entire process from materials to transportation in my work.Nature and the intricate relationships between creatures, humans, and the environment inspire me. Based in Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, which teems with wildlife and plant life, I believe that contact with the natural world is essential for good mental health. Artists can bring the outside world into homes and workplaces, celebrating the ample spaces cities offer to interact with nature.I enjoy imbuing my creatures with distinctive personalities. Throughout art history, animal forms have been used to represent various aspects of human behaviour, and I explore this symbolism while emphasising the interconnectedness between humans and animals. In my work using seashells, I create humanoid figures and animals that hint at clothing styles and personalities without being overly specific, allowing viewers to interpret their own personal experiences. Engaging with visitors and hearing their interpretations and experiences of my work is a fascinating process. I have also established a positive relationship with the local fish market, which allows me to collect shells at the end of their business day.My work is in a constant state of evolution as I continually explore different materials and experiment with new ways of using and combining them. Assembling and creating new things while recycling fuels my imagination and embodies the exploration of these unconventional materials. By using these materials in my artwork, I aim to promote a sustainable artistic practice that is always respectful of our planet.
