Mark Mennell

I suppose it was when I was a boy that I began honing my art. I could take a perfectly fine, durable toy and soon alter its very being by smashing, warping and scratching the living daylights out of it. My crowning achievement was the transformation of my dad’s ‘Charles Aznavour’ LP into an attractive vase by using hot water. I now use mainly reclaimed metals and wood that possess character and potential. I like to uncover hidden textures, shape and colour, and create contrasts with materials that I leave in their existing state.
I often find myself experimenting with form and pattern seen in practical application, for example in engineering and construction. I like also to contrast this with more natural and organic inspired arrangements. I have many influences in my work and I could waffle for hours, but overall I feel that the materials themselves guide me.
The most fun comes from messing with metals until something shiny emerges. I suppose like some demented magpie! I make what I make because it makes me feel good and it’s a cost-effective form of therapy.

Wigan Chamber of Commerce, Wigan, Greater Manchester:
‘Untitled’ 10/2002 solo exhibition

Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool: ‘Design for Life’ 20/05/2006 – 17/06/2006
group exhibition

Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, Lancashire: ‘Objects of Desire’ 28/10/2006 – 25/11/2006
group exhibition

Salford University, Salford: ‘Uncharted Territory’ 24/11/2006 – 01/12/2006
group exhibition