Steven Follen BT

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Elements: wood metal

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‘I aim to produce evocative pieces working primarily in steel. The surfaces are constructed using a coiling technique in metal, the welds serve to generate rich surfaces at the same time as forming the structure of the work. I like this directness of process and the inherent relationship between surface and structure. The resulting forms are hollow, the metal is like a husk or skin’.

 

Steven studied on the BA (Hons) 3D Design: Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics At the University of Brighton. The course emphasized a hands-on crafts skills approach to material investigation and making. In his final year Steven specialised in metal and ceramics.

 

His work draws inspiration from a range of sources including material qualities, historic artefacts, museum collections and landscape, including the Sussex Downs and East Anglia.

 

As well as making metal vessels and forms, Steven’s studio practice includes, producing design solutions for site specific, client focussed commissions.  His work in educational contexts has involved working and collaborating with students, educators, professionals and the public; researching and interpreting sites and museum or gallery collections, running creative workshops and producing conclusions to projects which help to make places, spaces and collections accessible to wider audiences.

 

Projects include a large scale commission for The Royal Shakespeare Theatres 'Swan Wing' in Stratford-Upon-Avon and temporary installations with the National Trust and Unravelled Arts. He has completed commissions for the entrance foyer to the Craft Study Centre, Farnham; a processional cross for St Botolphs’ Church, Aldgate, to commemorate those who died in the London bombings at Aldgate on 7th July 2005; seating and tree-grilles for the Ropetackle development in Shoreham, West Sussex and paving designs for Dorsten Square as part of a redevelopment project in Bewbush, Crawley, West Sussex. 

 

Steven has regularly been involved in the Big Draw producing award winning projects. He has worked with the scientific and education teams at Kew and Wakehurst Place, helping to draw together teams and develop collaborative projects which engage the public in the research and scientific work which is undertaken by the Royal Botanic Gardens.

 

His work is included in The Contemporary Arts Societies Special Collection of Metalwork at Birmingham City Museum and Art gallery. It is also included in the Crafts Council’s national collection in London, Manchester Metropolitan University Contemporary Craft Collection, Shipley Museum and Art Gallery, Gateshead, Aberdeen Museum and Art Gallery and South East Arts collection at Hove Museum.