Sculpture
Fanny's work is inspired by nature and informed by the observation of the changing environment. Recently, she has been experimenting with creating pieces in response to poetry.
The process begins with researching ideas, which will then be visualized on paper and/or in three-dimensional form as maquettes or as models in cardboard, paper and wax. She selects materials to make connections with the specific context in which the sculpture is created. Her media have included clay, porcelain, bronze, aluminium, pewter, wood, bark, glass, wax, slate and water.
For more information and images, please view:
www.ssw.org.uk/fannychristie/gallery/
Per Ardua (bronze) 2010
The title is from Latin 'Per Ardua Ad Astra' meaning reaching for the stars, striving for higher things and beyond through adversity. The sculpture is inspired by observations and study of salmon leaping at Buchanty Spout, River Almond. Not many made it up beyond the fall and some were pushed back further than where they started. Visually, the movement is incredibly strong, graceful and rhythmic.
Upstream I (bronze) H35 x W80 x D50 cm
Upstream is a series of sculptures which explores the salmon's movement and its relentless struggle upstream in the increasingly adverse conditions in its homeward journey.
Surge (bronze) / Rhythm (bronze)
The sculptures are inspired by observation of the water flow and the study of the salmon leap at River Almond following the Upstream sculpture series.
Tsuru (bronze)
The work features a pair of cranes for a sculpture garden in a commission in 2010.
Still Winter 2010
Delicate porcelain butterflies look as though they grow on trees camouflaged as fungi. Their wings are uneven and scotched by smoke firing. The fragility of these creatures is highlighted by an enormous bronze butterfly. Is it flightless? Why so lethargic?
The Alternative (bronze) H85 x W65 x D45 cm
The sculpture is a bronze cast of tree bark, branches and tree trunk about a hunted deer following on from a response to the poem 'The Silver Stag' in 2010.
Storm (bronze) W168 x D168 x H160 cm
The work explores the increasing problem of changing and intensifying weather conditions and highlights the crucial eco-balancing role of trees. The sculpture Storm received the N. S. MacFarlane Charitable Trust Award at the 180th annual exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh in 2006.
Converge (bronze) W34 x D20 x H34 cm
The sculpture is an architectural commission for the extension of the building in 2006 at Beil Park, Dunbar, situated by Beil Water. The area had historically been an important fishing community and the concept is based on the movement of a shoal of fish at the centre of a pool of water. Fish are also a symbol of abundance in Chinese culture and represent good Fung Shui (harmony with the wind and water).
Flux (clay smoked-fired) nine spheres, 45cm diameter each
The work is contemplative, and reflects our concerns for climate change and the environment.
Meltwater (glass, water, mixed media)
The work draws attention to the increasing level of water due to the melting of icebergs caused by global warming. The cast glass iceberg is housed in water in a case where the scale on the front panel shows the estimated rise of sea level predicted by Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, at year 2000, 2020, 2040, 2060, 2080 and 2100. What is apparent at a glance is the rate of increase.
