Thomas Joynes
Pleated Form
Bronze, unique
Portland stone plinth
Portland stone plinth
60 x 60 cm
Further images
'Pleated Form follows a range of works that were developed from exploring paper folding and pleating. After coming across the paper works of a sculptor named Richard Sweeney, I fell...
"Pleated Form follows a range of works that were developed from exploring paper folding and pleating. After coming across the paper works of a sculptor named Richard Sweeney, I fell in love with the fluid nature and organic forms that could be achieved by ‘simply’ cutting, folding and pleating pieces of paper. This shape came from drawing a series of curved lines in a repeating pattern on paper and then folding along the lines, after folding, the sheet of paper can be cut and then slowly bent and manipulated to create this curved rotating form. The process is very long and you have to be incredibly patient, but when the form finally starts to cooperate it is very rewarding.
Once I had the folded paper form, I then spent countless days applying wax and building up a consistently thick layer all over the form. The longest part of the process was then smoothing off the wax to achieve a satisfying finish, which is actually one of the sculpting processes that I enjoy the most.
The resulting form is then sufficiently thick that it can be invested into a ceramic shell, which is then burnt out to create a negative space for molten bronze to be poured into.
This beautifully flowing form is unique, as I never took a mold. It is most suited for interior display, however can go outdoors but would require maintenance to upkeep the patina finish".