Take Flight

“My work has, at its heart, a play between many opposite ideas; movement captured by stillness; fragility in nature captured in the strength of industrial, man-made materials; freedom defined within a contained space. In approaching this commission I found many natural parallels that inspired me; the physical containment of so many exhibits and artworks within RAMM that in themselves give flight to so many new ideas, concepts and inspirations in the minds if those that visit the museum.”

The forms utilised in this work are all birds found in RAMM’s collection. They include heron, frigate bird, red kite, golden eagle, swallow and gulls. Each bird is cut, formed and coloured by hand so that each is unique.

RAMM commissioned this work as part of the redevelopment in 2011 for the In Fine Feather gallery. The image shows Michelle installing the work. It was made possible by Grants for the Arts, part of the Arts Council’s work bringing great art to everyone by championing, developing and investing in experiences that enrich people’s lives.