Who is Tim Norris ?
Tim specialised in large scale outdoor sculptural works. His work is inspired by the surrounding landscape and, where possible, uses local natural materials in combination with recycled parts.
Tim has extensive experience of exhibiting and constructing landscape-based works, responding to private and public commissions, or as an artist in residence, such as at The Irwell Sculpture Trail, The Grizedale Forest and The National Cycle Network.
Rather than just producing furniture or sculpture, he creates welcoming and interactive environments for the public to relax, discuss and enjoy.
Tim has run a wide range of workshops in many different contexts. Working on site with groups, building large sculptures or running one day workshops in schools and community centres.
Talking with Tim Norris.
- When I am not working on site, I work in my studio and garden on the outskirts of London.
They are made partly in my workshop and partly on site, depending on the location and complexity of the project.
- I often study the history and natural environment of the location and develop a concept that is in harmony with the place.
- A mix of private customers and public bodies.
- I try to find materials related to the area where the work is to be installed, if not outside the area.
- My creative process begins with a meeting with the customer and a topographical study of the site. From there, I produce conceptual drawings and models Grace to experimentation and development, the final work often emerging with twists and turns along the way. I like to learn new local techniques and the sensations that come with them.
The trip
Materials: red oak, spagam birch, gold-plated rod, steel frame.
Size: 2.5 m x 2.5 m x 2.5 m.
Location: I Park, Connecticut, USA. Date: 2013
The form is constructed from reclaimed steel, covered with a hard shell of 300-year-old red oak bark that fell during a storm. This shell conceals a soft belly of living foam like a cozy nest. This sculpture recalls the Earth and suggests a place of protection or shelter.
Living space (interactive sculptural habitat).
Materials: birch bark, willow and steel. Size: 3 m x 2 m x 2 m. Location: Darmstadt, Germany. Date: 2014.
“Inspired by the modern botanical photographs of Wild Bee Pollen, taken with a scanning electron microscope (University of Darmstadt), I wanted to communicate that same sense of awe and wonder. I wanted to record and reveal the complex and fragile structural characteristics of wild bee pollen. For it is a symbol of Darmstadt’s varied and fascinating flora and fauna. And therefore to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between the site and the materials. My tough outer shell is made from birch bark taken from the forest floor. Willow and steel were used to create the structural frame. A circular woven wicker seat runs around the inside of the shell.
Building the wave shelter.
SHELTER FROM THE WAVES OF THE FOREST.
Materials: chestnut branches, cotton canvas, steel frame. Location: Congu, South Korea. Date: 2017.
A fantastic time was had making this collective project as part of Yatoo’s GNAP (Global Nomadic Art Project) thanks to the location, shared culture and inspiring artists.
Woven shelter.
Woven shelter.
Woven shelter from the waves of the forest.
Materials: chestnut branches, cotton canvas, steel frame. Location: Congu, South Korea. Date: 2017.
A fantastic time was had making this collective project as part of Yatoo’s GNAP (Global Nomadic Art Project) thanks to the location, shared culture and inspiring artists.
The arise.
