Sarah Derby

Sarah Derby’s work is primarily based on an exploration of the relationship between man and nature. Previously working in 2D, using pencil and ink drawings, she aimed to show the viewer through symbolic reference, the uncanny similarities between trees and humans. Guiseppe Penone and Alison Jane Crowther were highly influential at this time creating work with a passion for nature and trees. The use of hands in Derby’s work represents the taking of life from nature and our ultimate but often forgotten dependence on them. Often using red in these drawings was a way of symbolising life, blood, passion, strength and beauty.

Although initially important, Derby has made a natural progression from symbolic 2D drawings to 3D sculptural work, realising the potential of the materials that could be used. By working so closely and tirelessly with wood and bronze, she has built a relationship and an appreciation for the material; an important issue within the work.

During the ‘running up’ process of bronze casting a pine cone, Derby stumbled across the naturally occurring mathematical sequence – the Fibonacci Series. Yet another miraculous wonder we are mostly unaware of, she has taken this sequence and is creating a Fibonacci Spiral of bronze pine cones, tackling an array of issues and continuing a development of research into forgotten or overlooked nature. Julian Wild has particularly influenced the ideas of the work in this series.

Derby’s work now ultimately deals with precious metals and issues of value, consumption, desire and obsession; our overwhelming need to order the world and our ability to turn something decomposable into something eternal. The work reveals an inner beauty, an elegant aesthetic that glorifies rather than gratifies. It aims to demonstrate a forgotten dependence by hinting at what humans conceive as value and beauty.