Meet Vic from Vic Wright Studio

We are absolutely thrilled to stock the incredible works of Vic Wright Studio and if you have just discovered her pieces then you are in the right place. We learn what keeps Vic inspired, her top tips to overcome creative block and the process and craft that goes into each piece of the Cast Editions - a new firm favourite in the Talking Things collection.

Let's talk things!

Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how you got into sculpting? My name is Vic Wright and l’m a sculptor working in the North West. I studied fine art at university many moons ago and specialised in sculpture. I moved from London to Manchester six years ago and this move, along side my daughter starting school, allowed me the time and space to start my practise again.

We read that you are influenced in how nature displays beauty in difference, we love that thought, tell us more. Yes l am defiantly influenced how nature displays difference. That might be in apposing textures, surfaces, patterns, shapes all sitting beautifully next to each other.

We are always intrigued to find out where artists find inspiration, where do you go/what do you do to get inspired?

I’m very material led in my practice and I get very inspired by the materials l use and how far l can manipulate them. The alchemy of combining elements together to see what different outcomes l can achieve l find a constant source of inspiration. Also l find visiting exhibitions can also kick start ideas within my own work.

Can you describe a typical day in the studio? And, how the casting process works? A typical day in the studio is first thing get a podcast on to start the working day. If l had been casting the day before l would de-mould those pieces so they can dry some more. Then get them ready for the sanding stages and final wax. All the pieces in the Cast Editions collection are cast with a mixture of fine cements and pigments in silicone moulds that l have made off plaster prototypes. Once de-moulded and dry each piece is filed, sanded and waxed by hand.

Pictured: Bud vase No.4. Lifestyle photography by Vic Wright Studio x Laura Laura Studio. Product photography Talking Things.

What is it about working with industrial materials that you are drawn to? The material l use most is a fine white casting cement with is designed for creative practices. I enjoy how this can be used as a base to carry lots of other materials within it, such as pigments and metal powders like iron. This transforms the look and feel of the material into something else.

What do you hope people will feel when they experience your work? I hope with Cast Editions that people see the fun side to the pieces and interact with the sculptures.

Do you ever get creative block? How do you work through it? Sometimes it can happen. But l got some great advice once from an artist l shared a studio with. She said to me just make, don’t think of the finished piece. I think that’s how l work now. I’m constantly experimenting in my studio and wondering what would happen if l tried this with this or this shape on this or how can l create this pattern. My studio is full to the rafters with small things l’ve cast to see what results l can achieve, a bit of a material library if you will.

What inspired the shapes and forms in the cast editions range? And can you describe the relationship between the individual shapes? The idea for Cast Editions came to fruition during lock down. I wanted to create a range that was a nod to my bespoke sculptures, with some of the shapes of Cast Editions being influenced by them. With Cast Editions l wanted to create a buildable collection. Many of the pieces can be displayed in numerous different ways and they all sit well together. Which means that the individual can pick from the series and make their own personal collection and display them to their choosing.

Pictured: Collection #7, photographed by Talking Things

What are the highs and lows of working as a sculptor? As a sculptor l love working and figuring things out with my hands. The flip side of that is its messy work and l generate a lot of mess and dust. Even with the best of intentions to contain the dust, l have a studio at home this can be a bone of contention with the rest of my family ha!

What’s your favourite piece from the Talking Things edit of the Cast Editions? I think probably Bud Vase No1 (pictured below). This is the biggest piece in the collection and, l know size isn’t everything, but l ready enjoy its size and form.