John Crampin
Sculptor
During a career in education, where Mathematics was my focus, I always had a practical interest in ceramics (sometimes domestic and sometimes sculptural). Later, I became involved in stone carving.
First steps were with Martyn Barratt at Burghley Sculpture Garden. From there, I progressed to residential courses with Hannah Sofaer at Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust.
My main interest is in ‘direct stone carving’ using Ancaster Limestone, Polyphant (Cornish Soapstone) and Alabaster. Other work is modelled in clay and then cast in bronze resin or in bronze.
Much of the work is entirely abstract in nature, but some pieces are to a greater or lesser extent drawn from the natural world, described as plant form, bird form or human form. The abstract works often draw on my experience of Mathematics. Terms like surface, edge, shape, balance and symmetry are fundamental to both worlds: Mathematics and Sculpture. I allow the shapes and profiles used to adjust their forms as the creation of individual pieces progress. This results, I hope, in harmonic and tactile sculptures. Although they are deceptively simple in shape, the details of curves, surfaces and edges are hard won.
I have work in: Harding House Gallery in Lincoln and in The Sculpture Park in Farnham.
I exhibit with the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society as well as with the Welland in Stamford.
Previously, I have exhibited at Woodbine Gallery in Uppingham, Grapevine Gallery in Burnham Market, and at Affordable Art in Hampstead.
Further contact is through my website – johncrampin-sculpture.uk
